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Tag: LAW

  • Few prepared to cover long-term care costs

    Few prepared to cover long-term care costs

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    Editor’s note: The share of the U.S. population older than 65 keeps rising – and will for decades to come. Since nearly half of Americans over 65 will pay for some version of long-term health care, CNHI News and The Associated Press examined the state of long-term care in the series High Cost of Long-Term Care, which began Friday and continues this week.

    While many Americans will need long-term care as they get older, few are prepared to pay for it.

    Medicare, which provides Americans over the age 65 with health insurance, doesn’t cover most long-term care services. And Medicaid — the primary safety net for long-term care coverage — only covers those who are indigent.

    Federal estimates suggest 70% of people ages 65 and older will need long-term care before they die, but only 3% to 4% of Americans age 50 and older are paying for long-term care policies, according to insurance industry figures.

    The high cost of premiums for those private long-term care policies puts it out of reach for most people.

    Even some who have this kind of insurance find it doesn’t provide enough to cover the costs of home health aides, assisted-living facilities or nursing homes.

    “People think that long-term care insurance is for everyone — but it is not,” said Jessie Slone, executive director of the American Association for Long-term Care Insurance, an advocacy group. “It’s for a very small subset of individuals who plan, and have some retirement assets and income they can use to pay for it.”

    To qualify, applicants need to pass a health review. Slone said insurance companies have underwriting policies with “page after page” of conditions that will disqualify people from getting that coverage.”If you live a long life, the chances of you needing care are significant. So then the issue becomes who’s going to provide for that care, and who’s going to pay for it. For some, long-term care insurance is an option.”

    Prices vary, based on the age when people apply, how good their health is at the time, and how much coverage they want. “You have to start looking at this generally in your 50s or 60s,” Slone said. “Because, as you get older, you’re going to have conditions which insurers are going to look at, determine that you’re very likely to need long-term care and not give you a policy.”

    That coverage, if you can get it, doesn’t come cheap: In 2023, the annual average cost for a policy for a couple both age 55, taking out a $165,000 initial pool growing at 3% compounded annually — ranged from a low of $5,018 to $14,695 a year, according to the association.

    But, compared to auto insurance — which most people may never use — long-term care insurance is a good investment for those who can afford it, Slone said. “Car insurance is the most expensive insurance you ever pay because the chances of you getting into a car accident are somewhat remote. But the chances of someone needing long-term care if they make it to 90 are pretty significant.”

    Lori Smetanka, executive director of the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, a national nonprofit advocacy group, views it differently. She said the private long-term care insurance system has become a “bust” amid rising premiums and difficulties accessing benefits.

    Consider the fact that the number of companies offering long-term care insurance is declining, while payouts are steadily increasing as the baby boomer generation ages.”Most people have found it very expensive,” Smetanka said. “But, at the same time, people are finding that it wasn’t covering what they needed.”

    Last year, insurers paid a record of more than $14 billion to cover an estimated 353,000 long-term care claims, according to industry figures. That’s compared to about $11.6 billion just three years ago.

    Currently, there are about 7.5 million people in the U.S. age 65 and older with private long-term care insurance, according to industry data.

    With that incentive, some states, including Washington and California, are looking at creating long-term care social insurance pools funded by payroll taxes and other sources of funding. The effort also is being spurred, in part, by the rising costs borne by states for Medicaid long-term care coverage, which they share with the federal government.

    “More and more states are coming to the conclusion that this is an under-funded system,” said Marc Cohen, a researcher and co-director of the LeadingAge LTSS Center at the University of Massachusetts at Boston. “There are simply not enough dollars going into the system – given the needs and the demands of the growing elderly population.”

    So far, Washington is the only state to try to address the issue. A law approved by the state Legislature in 2019 created a long-term care benefit program, which provides residents with up to $36,500 to pay for costs such as caregiving, wheelchair ramps, meal deliveries and nursing home fees.

    The Cares Funds is covered by a payroll tax that deducts 0.58% out of paychecks but guarantees a $36,500 lifetime benefit for those who have paid into the fund for 10 years.

    Several other states are studying the issue. In California, a task force is looking at how to design a long-term care program, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Massachusetts, Illinois and Michigan also are weighing the costs versus benefits of creating a state long-term care benefits program.

    But the issue of imposing new taxes to pay for long-term care insurance is controversial — and politically unpopular — on both a state and federal level.

    Washington’s long-term care insurance law is facing a repeal effort from a group backed by hedge fund executive Brian Heywood that argues the system should be voluntary. Voters in November will decide whether to allow people to opt out, which supporters say would essentially gut the program.

    “There are a lot of states that are looking to see what happens in Washington,” Cohen said. “If this billionaire who is funding this repeal effort wins, it will be a real blow.”

    Cohen said efforts on a federal level to create a publicly funded insurance pool haven’t gained much traction. A long-term care program created by Congress through the CLASS Plan, which was tied to the Affordable Care Act, was voluntary. That law was repealed in early 2013.

    “It never got off the ground before it was repealed,” he said. “With the dysfunction in Congress, we’re likely to see more action on a state level than the federal.”

    Recent polls suggest there may be some public support for the move. A survey by the National Council on Aging found more than 90% of the 1,000 female respondents across party lines support the idea of creating a government program to pay for the cost of long-term care.

    “The level of support was significant, and very bipartisan,” said Howard Bedlin, a long-term care expert with the council. “People keep talking about how Congress can’t find bipartisan support. Well, the voters clearly support it.

    “The politicians just aren’t giving these issues the attention they deserve.”

    Christian M. Wade is a reporter for North of Boston Media Group.

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    By Christian M. Wade | CNHI News

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  • Former Danvers DPW director pays $17K civil penalty for ethics violation

    Former Danvers DPW director pays $17K civil penalty for ethics violation

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    DANVERS — Former DPW Director David Lane has paid a $17,000 civil penalty after admitting that he violated the state’s conflict of interest law by accepting multiple gifts from a water meter manufacturer and its distributor.

    An Alabama-based water meter maker, sourced through the manufacturer’s sole authorized New England distributor, hosted golf outings, three-day ski trips, and other events to which they invited employees of several municipal water districts and departments of public works, including Lane, according to state ethics officials.

    Lane took part in three separate ski trips courtesy of the vendors. These included trips to Sugarloaf, Maine, in 2018; Okemo, Vermont, in 2020; and Jay Peak, Vermont, in 2022 — all with the understanding that when he accepted the vendor’s invitation they would pay for his lodging, all or most of his meals, and his ski lift tickets in Sugarloaf and Jay Peak.

    Each of the trips were Wednesday through Friday and were at least $425 per person for lodging and $133 for a two-day ski lift ticket.

    In October 2020, the distributor hosted Lane at a golf event in which they paid for his green fees, meals and drinks. In November of the same year, a sales representative of the manufacturer treated Lane and two other municipal public works employees to dinner at Pellana Prime Steakhouse in Peabody. Both of the payments are valued to be $50 or more. The conflict of interest law prohibits public employees from accepting anything worth $50 or more that is given to them for or because of their official positions.

    Danvers officials issued a news release on Tuesday stating that “The town became aware of an inquiry by the Massachusetts Ethics Commission last summer and immediately engaged an independent investigator to determine whether any town policies were violated. The town has fully cooperated with the Ethics Commission’s inquiry.

    “The town was unable to obtain information and documents from the vendor in question and the Ethics Commission due to confidentiality restrictions related to the Commission’s inquiry. Ultimately, Mr. Lane retired prior to the conclusion of the investigation. The town will not provide any further comments relating to personnel matters.”

    Danvers’ water meters were purchased in 2009 through an Invitation For Bid (IFB) process, which means the low bidder was selected after sealed, written proposals were opened by the purchasing department. The town’s centralized purchasing function operates independently from individual departments, and all purchasing is done in accordance with MGL Chapter 30B (Uniform Procurement Act).

    Earlier this year, Danvers Department of Public Works Water and Sewer Supervisor Aaron Cilluffo and other municipal water employees from Salem, Southampton, and Sudbury admitted to violating the conflict of interest law multiple times by accepting valuable gifts from the water meter manufacturer and its distributor. They each paid civil penalties ranging from $6,000 to $18,000.

    “When public employees accept valuable gifts from vendors, they create the appearance that they may be improperly influenced by the vendors or are likely to unduly favor them in their actions on the job,” State Ethics Commission Executive Director David A. Wilson said. “Accepting such gifts undermines the public’s confidence in the integrity of the employees’ governmental service and is prohibited by the conflict of interest law.”

    “The town of Danvers fully supports the work of the Massachusetts Ethics Commission,” Town Manager Steve Bartha said. “We understand that public trust is the currency of local government, and that situations like this erode that trust.”

    Michael McHugh can be contacted at mmchugh@northofboston.com or at 781-799-5202

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    By Michael McHugh | Staff Writer

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  • In Texas, is it legal to kill a coyote that has attacked a pet or chickens? What to know

    In Texas, is it legal to kill a coyote that has attacked a pet or chickens? What to know

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    A coyote walks along the grassy shoulder of South Ocean Blvd. near Sloan’s Curve on October 12, 2020 in Palm Beach, Florida.

    A coyote walks along the grassy shoulder of South Ocean Blvd. near Sloan’s Curve on October 12, 2020 in Palm Beach, Florida.


    Greg Lovett

    Imagn Content Services, LLC

    Fort Worth

    Coyotes are a common sight on Texas ranch land and urban spaces. But can you kill one?

    Coyote sightings around the Metroplex is a common occurrence. Just watch any neighborhood social media channel. One of the wild canines even caused an Arlington park to shut down after it attacked several children earlier this year. Last spring, a coyote was found lounging in a Fort Worth backyard seemingly enjoying a sun-filled siesta.

    But the wild dogs are known to attack other animals, such as cats and small livestock. So, what exactly does Texas law have to say about extracting retribution for a dead pet?

    Is it legal to kill coyotes in Texas if they killed your pet?

    Yes, state law allows for the killing of coyotes if they take out a pet or livestock.

    Texas Health and Safety Code section 822.013 states that a coyote attacking or that has recently attacked other animals may be killed by:

    • Any person witnessing the attack.
    • The attacked animal’s owner or a person acting on behalf of the owner if the owner or person has knowledge of the attack.

    A person is not required to procure a hunting license to kill a coyote under this specific circumstance in Texas.

    Is it legal to hunt coyotes in Texas?

    Yes, coyotes can be hunted in Texas with a license.

    The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department classifies coyotes as nongame species, which require a hunting license to be hunted. There are no closed seasons or bag limits for nongame species.

    However, there are other situations where a hunting license is not required to hunt coyotes.

    A hunting license isn’t required to hunt depredating or plundering coyotes on private property, as long as the hunter has landowner authorization, according to TPWD.

    Essentially, if you want to hunt coyotes that are not actively destroying private property, a hunting license is required. But if you’re hunting coyotes that are destroying private property and you have landowner approval, a hunting license is not required.

    Why are coyotes spotted around urban areas?

    As people continue to expand housing and other human development into what once was wildlife habitats, the TPWD says there’s increasing potential for coyote encounters.

    Here are a few precautions the TPWD recommends Texans take to manage coyotes:

    • Do not feed coyotes: Keep all pet food and water inside, along with garbage securely stored.
    • Keep compost bins covered: Never leave animal bones or fat in outdoor composting bins, as it could attract coyotes.
    • Keep pets inside: Keep a close eye on pets outside or place them in a secure kennel.
    • Be vigilant at night: Walk pets on a leash and accompany them outside at night
    • Use noise to scare coyotes: Air horns or other loud noise devices can deter coyotes from approaching your property.

    Related stories from Fort Worth Star-Telegram

    Brayden Garcia is a service journalism reporter at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. He graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2020, where he worked at the student newspaper, The Shorthorn. He previously covered education at The Dallas Morning News.

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  • Agreement reached in Rousselot smell lawsuit

    Agreement reached in Rousselot smell lawsuit

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    PEABODY — Neighbors of the former Rousselot Peabody Inc. site on Washington Street have come to an agreement with the gelatin company in a class-action lawsuit over noxious odors they said have permeated the area for years.

    Rousselot is expected to pay nearly $3.1 million in the matter after a preliminary settlement was ordered by a Suffolk Superior Court judge last week.

    Although Rousselot didn’t object to the amount, it claims no liability as part of the agreement and is settling now “to eliminate the time, expense and uncertainties of continuing to litigate,” according to court records.

    The company also agreed to not use the 227 Washington St. facility to manufacture gelatin “now or in the future.”

    The plant shut down on Dec. 31 as part of its parent company’s plan to consolidate manufacturing locations. It produced pharmaceutical-grade gelatin used by different industries.

    The class-action complaint was filed in December 2019 by Michael Baranofsky, of 32 Lynn St., Kimberley Gale, of the same address, and Lawrence Essember, of 8 James St., on behalf of the neighborhood. They are being represented by Lynnfield attorney William P. Doyle III.

    They claimed noxious odors emitted by the plant traveled onto their properties for years and made them unable to fully enjoy their homes, especially in the warmer months.

    One resident who was cited in the suit said the odor “stinks like decaying flesh.” Residents couldn’t use their outdoor spaces because of the smell, had to keep windows shut and could still at times smell the odor inside, they said in the suit.

    Both renters and homeowners who have lived within a half-mile of the plant at some point since Jan. 2, 2017, are eligible to join the class and receive part of the settlement, barring that no complaints are filed at a final settlement hearing in Suffolk Superior Court on Sept. 17, court filings indicate.

    The settlement could affect more than 3,000 households in the area, the preliminary agreement said.

    Such households will be mailed claim forms to join the class and potentially receive part of the settlement. A class notice will also be published in The Salem News and a class settlement website will be created by the class’ attorney.

    It’s still unclear what will happen with the now-empty site at 227 Washington St. or other parcels still owned by Rousselot in the city. In all, the company owned 300 acres in Peabody while in operation.

    Last year, the city bought 135 of the acres off Granite Street for $9 million. The city plans to preserve the land as open space.

    Contact Caroline Enos at CEnos@northofboston.com.

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    By Caroline Enos | Staff Writer

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  • Police/Fire: Gloucester woman held, accused of driving stolen Audi while drugged

    Police/Fire: Gloucester woman held, accused of driving stolen Audi while drugged

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    After a report of an Audi SUV driving erratically in the vicinity of the Bass Avenue traffic lights and East Main Street just after 5 a.m.last Monday, police arrested a 43-year-old Gloucester woman on charges of larceny of a motor vehicle; driving under the influence of drugs, a third offense; driving with a suspended license; negligent driving; a marked lanes violation; and receiving a stolen motor vehicle.

    Kimberly A. Ahearn, of 11 Chestnut St., Apt. 4, was ordered held without bail during her arraignment last Monday in Gloucester District Court. She was scheduled for a detention hearing this Monday, May 20, according to the district court’s clerk’s office.

    The person reporting the blue Audi SUV being driven erratically said it was “flying,” and believed it to be going in excess of 100 mph. The following driver said the Audi appeared to attempt to evade him, driving so fast and erratically he was no longer able to safely follow it.

    Earlier that morning, at 4:15, police had gone to Edgemoor Road for a report of a woman ringing a homeowner’s doorbell, with the resident reporting the woman appeared “hammered.” This caller said the woman came from what appeared to be a dark-colored Audi SUV.

    The Audi was reported to have gone down East Main Street toward Zeke’s Restaurant. Officers spotted the vehicle and dispatch informed them the vehicle came back to an address on Eastern Point Boulevard. Police followed the Audi as it weaved down the road and nearly struck the curb. Police stopped the car just before the stop sign heading toward Bass Avenue.

    Police approached the driver and noted a strong odor of heavy brake use coming from the SUV. The officer reported recognizing the driver as she had several run-ins with police recently and in the past, the report said. She reportedly laughed hysterically when the officer tried to speak with her and eventually the officer was able to confirm her identity. When asked if the Audi belonged to her, she said she came out of her apartment on Chestnut Street, saw the vehicle with its keys in the cup holder, and took it, the report said. Police informed her this was a crime, which she denied and said she needed the vehicle to get around to do errands. Ahearn said she did not have her license on her and it was confirmed her license was suspended.

    When she got out to take field sobriety tests, police noticed she was not wearing shoes. Police said she showed signs of impairment while taking the tests. Police contacted the Audi’s owner who told police she did not give anyone permission to use her car. The owner was given a ride to the scene where she saw damage to the Audi’s front driver’s side bumper that had not been there before. Police subsequently arrested Ahearn.

    — Ethan Forman

    In other news taken from the logs of Cape Ann’s police and fire departments:

    GLOUCESTER

    Tuesday, May 14

    9:08 p.m.: Debris in the roadway was located on Rockland Street.

    6:40 p.m.: Police responded to a report from a Viking Street homeowner who said someone in a maroon sedan pulled in her driveway and started taking pictures of her house. She told police she came out from behind her vehicle and approached the man who told her he was taking pictures for FEMA. The man did not show any ID and left abruptly. She was unable to get the plate number of the sedan. Police were given a description of a man who was large in stature wearing a black shirt with the letters “OSI” on it. Police advised the woman to lock her doors and call if the vehicle returned.

    3:23 p.m.: Police responded to a disturbance at Good Harbor Beach on Thatcher Road.

    Crashes with property damage only were reported at East Main and Wall streets at 11:17 a.m., and on Grant Circle on Route 128 north at 2:40 p.m.

    12:14 p.m.: Peace was restored after a caller reported juveniles drinking on Good Harbor Beach on Thatcher Road.

    11:06 a.m.: Fraud was reported on Elizabeth Road.

    Monday, May 13

    10:42 p.m.: Police responded to a report of a disabled vehicle in the roadway on Concord Street.

    6:20 p.m.: A 27-year-old Gloucester resident was arrested on charges of possession of a Class B drug, larceny under $1,200, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest after police responded to Oak and Warner streets for report of a person hitting another person with a bat.  Police also filed a complaint against a 53-year-old on a charge of assault with a dangerous weapon.

    5:29 p.m.: Police planned to file a criminal complaint against a Gloucester resident in relation to a report of past harassment/domestic assault and battery.

    4:24 p.m.: Police assisted the Fire Department with an active fire on East Main Street. The road was closed at Chapel Street. Officers arrived to find an outside structure fire. Traffic was detoured around the fire site and the Fire Department responded to extinguish it.

    3:35 p.m.: A caller from Staten Street reported his neighbor has a camera intentionally facing his backyard.

    Crashes with property damage only were reported on Grant Circle at 11:23 a.m., Prospect Street at 12:03 p.m., and Route 128 northbound at 3:19 p.m..

    10:57 a.m.: Police took a report of credit card fraud.

    10:26 a.m.: Police responded to a disturbance at the 1-4, C-2 lot on Rogers Street.

    4:16 a.m.: A disturbance was reported on Edgemoor Road.

    ESSEX

    Thursday May 16

    10:46 p.m.: Suspicious activity was reported at a Centennial Grove Road address.

    7:51 p.m.: A police investigation was conducted at an Essex Avenue address.

    Individuals were assisted on Western Avenue at 8:44 a.m., John Wise Avenue at 4:31 p.m. and Harry Homans Drive at 5:17 p.m.

    11:51 a.m.: A call was made for a community policing event at a Martin Street address.

    MANCHESTER

    Thursday, May 16

    6:23 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on School Street, a written warning was issued.

    2:25 p.m.: A report was made about lost and found property at a Beach Street address.

    1:49 p.m.: A disturbance was reported at a School Street address.

    Individuals were assisted on Highland Avenue at 11:53 a.m., and Central Street at 8:18 a.m. and 1:10 p.m.

    Police investigations were conducted on Crooked Lane at 9:41 a.m. and Federal Street at 11:40 a.m.

    9:40 a.m.: A fire alarm, reported at a Bridge Street address, was later determined to be a false alarm.

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  • Safety net hospital fund shortfall widening

    Safety net hospital fund shortfall widening

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    BOSTON — Lawmakers are seeking more support for the state’s safety net hospitals amid rising concerns about the fiscal health of a fund that helps cover medical costs for large numbers of uninsured and low-income patients.

    Hospitals and health insurers pay into the so-called safety net fund – a pool of money that helps fund care for hundreds of thousands of low-income residents who are uninsured or underinsured – with the state chipping in additional funding. But if the fund runs low, hospitals are on the hook for the shortfall.

    The fund is projected to have a shortfall of more than $220 million in the upcoming fiscal year, hospitals say, rising to the highest level in nearly two decades.

    Without additional funding, financially challenged hospitals will be forced to cover the deficit, leaving less money to provide medical care for low-income and uninsured patients, they say.

    An amendment to the Senate’s version of the $57.9 billion state budget filed by Sen. Barry Finegold, D-Andover, would require commercial health insurance companies to cover 50% of any revenue shortfalls in the safety net fund.

    “We need to do something to help our local hospitals,” Finegold said. “This is part of a long-term problem with funding for hospitals that serve the state’s most vulnerable residents. We need to fix it.”

    Many earmarks

    Finegold’s proposal is one of more than 1,000 amendments to the Senate’s budget, many of them local earmarks seeking to divert more state money to local governments, schools, cash-strapped community groups and nonprofits. Only a handful will likely make it into the Senate’s final spending package.

    The plan faces pushback from the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans, which represents commercial insurers who would be impacted by the proposed changes to the hospital safety net program.

    Lora Pellegrini, the group’s president and CEO, said requiring insurers to cover the fund’s shortfalls would jeopardize negotiations between the state Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that seek to reduce assessments paid by medical insurance carriers.

    “This really came out of nowhere, and would be counterproductive to those efforts,” she said. “We have a committee process for a reason and that’s where these kinds of special interest issues should be vetted, not in the budget.”

    But the move is backed by the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association, which says requiring insurers to cover the shortfall would help alleviate an “unmanageable financial burden” on the health care system “by broadening funding support for the program.”

    “The Health Safety Net is a vital component of Massachusetts’ healthcare infrastructure and its ability to cover the costs of care for low-income and uninsured patients,” Daniel McHale, MHP’s vice president for Healthcare Finance & Policy, said in a statement.

    “At this increasingly fragile time for the entire health care system, it is imperative that we take the steps needed to stabilize the safety net for the people and providers who rely on it each day.”

    Local hospitals affected

    The state’s safety net hospitals and community health centers – which include Lawrence Hospital, Salem Hospital, Holy Family Hospital in Methuen and Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport – serve a disproportionate percentage of low-income patients.

    Many are heavily dependent on Medicaid reimbursements, which are typically less than commercial insurance payouts.

    Nearly 30% of Lawrence General’s gross revenue is for care provided to Medicaid, or MassHealth, patients. The state average is 18%.

    Many community hospitals are collecting from low-paying government insurance programs, and getting below-average reimbursements from commercial insurers, advocates say.

    Lawmakers also swept money from the hospital safety net fund to help cover the costs of new Medicare savings programs that pay some or all of eligible senior citizen’s premiums and other health care costs, including prescriptions.

    Hospitals are also seeing increased demand from uninsured patients as hundreds of thousands of Medicaid recipients see their state-sponsored health care coverage dropped following the end of federal pandemic-related programs, which is driving up costs. Claims processing problems are another factor adding to hospital costs, they say.

    Those and other factors have widened the fund’s shortfall from $68 million in fiscal 2022 to more than $210 million in the previous fiscal year, according to the hospital association. Combined, the shortfall could reach $600 million for the three fiscal years, the association said.

    Biggest expense

    The House, which approved its $58.2 billion version of the state budget two weeks ago, proposed $17.3 million in state funding for the hospital safety net fund. The Senate, which begins debate on its version of the budget next week, has proposed a similar amount.

    In the current budget, the state allocated $91.4 million for the safety net fund.

    But the House budget didn’t include an amendment requiring insurers to help hospitals pay the shortfall. That means even if the Senate approves Finegold’s amendment, it would still need to be negotiated as part of the final budget before landing on Gov. Maura Healey’s desk for consideration.

    Health care coverage, in the meantime, is one of the state’s biggest expenses. Medicaid costs have doubled in the past decade and now account for nearly 40% of state spending.

    MassHealth serves more than 2 million people – roughly one-third of the state’s population – despite federal Medicaid redeterminations that have reduced its rolls over the past year.

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    By Christian M. Wade | Statehouse Reporter

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  • Police/Fire

    Police/Fire

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    In news taken from the logs of Cape Ann’s police and fire departments:

    GLOUCESTER

    Thursday, May 9

    Disabled vehicles were reported on Kent Circle at 12:51 p.m., Grant Circle at 12:56 p.m., and at the Wingaersheek Motel on Concord Street at 10:59 p.m. when officers assisted.

    7:51 p.m.: Public Works was called out to Commercial Street.

    7:02 p.m.: A report of a disturbance on East Main Street proved to be unfounded.

    4:23 p.m.: Services were given to an incapacitated person who appeared unsteady on his feet on Main Street. The person refused medical attention.

    3:16 p.m.: Services were rendered for a reported unwelcome guest at Temple Ahavat Achim on Middle Street.

    Crashes with property damage only were reported on East Main Street at 10:17 a.m. and Porter Street at 2:48 p.m.

    10:51 a.m.: A false fire alarm was reported at Gloucester High on Leslie O. Johnson Road.

    9:08 a.m.: A suspicious person was reported on Main Street.

    8:40 a.m.: A hypodermic needle was retrieved from Prospect Street and disposed of safely.

    MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA

    Sunday May 12

    9:53 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on Summer Street, a verbal warning was issued.

    7:08 p.m.: A police investigation was conducted at a Pine Street address.

    6:11 p.m.: A report was made about suspicious activity at a Central Street address.

    1:04 p.m.: A report was made about a disturbance on Pine Street.

    11:23 a.m.: A complaint was made about an animal on Central Street.

    8:45 a.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on School Street, no action was taken.

    1:34 a.m.: A report was made about suspicious activity at a Beach Street address.

    Saturday May 11

    4:59 p.m.: A report was made about a community policing call on Beach Street.

    Friday May 10

    9:47 p.m.: A report was made about suspicious activity at a Raymond Street address.

    9:43 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop at the intersection of Forest Street and Ledgewood Road, a citation was issued.

    7:57 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on Beach Street, a verbal warning was issued.

    7:33 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on School Street, someone was reportedly spoken to.

    Thursday May 9

    3:09 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on Pine Street, a written warning was issued.

    2:40 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on Pine Street, a written warning was issued.

    1:02 p.m.: A report was made about a police investigation at a School Street address.

    12:03 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop at the intersection of Pine Street and Crafts Court, a verbal warning was issued.

    2:04 a.m.: A complaint was made about an animal at a Brookwood Road address.

    ESSEX

    Sunday, May 12

    Fraud/scams reported on Main Street at 1:52 p.m. with report to follow, and Conomo Point Road at 5:59 p.m.

    5:32 p.m.: A person on Main Street was spoken to about a hang-up after dialing 911.

    4:06 p.m.: An individual was assisted by police on John Wise Avenue.

    2:22 p.m.: Police assisted another agency on Coral Hill.

    1:38 p.m.: Vandalism to a fire tower off Southern Avenue was reported. Sgt. Ryan Davis said Monday the incident remains under investigation.

    10:20 a.m.: An abandoned 911 call from Brook Pasture Lane was confirmed to have been made in error.

    Saturday, May 11

    Individuals were assisted by police on John Wise Avenue at 9:14 and 9:30 a.m., and 1:35 p.m.

    9:47 a.m.: A complaint about parking on Wood Drive was lodged.

    6:14 a.m.: Police are filing a criminal application against an individual on a charge of property damage or vandalism after mail boxes were run over on Eastern Avenue.

    Friday, May 10

    10:19 p.m.: A person was spoken to about suspicious activity on Centennial Grove Road.

    4:28 p.m.: Police assisted making a notification to a person on Forest Avenue.

    4:09 p.m.: Police conducted parking enforcement on Main Street.

    11:41 a.m.: An unconscious person was taken by ambulance from Story Acres Road to a hospital.

    11:07 a.m.: A Pickering Street property was checked.

    Thursday, May 9

    9:49 p.m.: Essex Fire Engine 2 was dispatched for an alarm activation on Choate Street, which later proved to be false.

    Persons were assisted by police on John Wise Avenue at 11:11 a.m. with a report to follow, 12:40, 1:08, 7:42 and 8:58 p.m.; and with an animal complaint on Southern Avenue and Apple Street at 8:38 p.m.

    8:20 p.m.: Assistance was given to Hamilton Police, when a person was spoken to on Appaloosa Lane in that town.

    5:05 p.m.: A person was notified that their lost property had been found and was at the police station on John Wise Avenue.

    12:22 p.m.: Suspicious activity was reported on Western Avenue at Pond Street, but police found nothing amiss when they arrived.

    9:45 a.m.: Property on Pickering Street was checked.

    9:29 a.m.: A 911 hang-up was confirmed to have been an accidental call.

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  • Senate unveils $59.7B budget

    Senate unveils $59.7B budget

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    BOSTON — Money for free community college, regional transportation and increased spending on housing and child care are among the highlights of the Senate’s version of next year’s budget, which was rolled out Tuesday.

    The $59.7 billion Senate budget is slightly more than a spending plan approved by the House of Representatives about two weeks ago, and boosts local aid to communities in the next fiscal year by $38.1 million to nearly $1.3 billion.

    Meanwhile, it increases Chapter 70 funding for schools by $316 million to more than $6.9 billion. That would fully fund the third year of the Student Opportunity Act, which was approved by the Legislature in 2019. The law calls for diverting $1.5 billion to schools over seven years.

    The plan also proposes spending $1.3 billion in proceeds from the newly enacted “millionaires tax” by divvying up the money for a range of education and transportation programs and new initiatives.

    The voter-approved law, which went into effect last year, set a 4% surtax on incomes above $1 million.

    Senate Ways and Means Chairman Michael Rodrigues said the plan makes targeted investments in higher education, transportation, and reflects the upper chamber’s efforts to make the state “more affordable, equitable and competitive.”

    “It maximizes and continues to build on the progress we’ve made in key sectors of the state economy,” the Westport Democrat told reporters at a briefing Tuesday.

    The Senate’s budget doesn’t call for raising taxes or new fees, and pumps more money into the state’s reserves or rainy day fund, which would bring the total to more than $9 billion by the end of the fiscal year.

    A key provision of the Senate budget calls for spending $117.5 million to offer free community college for all Massachusetts residents, and another $28 million for stipends for low-income community college students to cover the cost of books, transportation and child care, among other expenses.

    The plan would earmark $214 million for the state’s 15 regional transit authorities – including $40 million to provide bus service free of charge to passengers. Several RTAs, including the Merrimack Valley Transit Authority, have been offering free and discounted bus service under pilot programs.

    Increased funding for expanding child care, health care, housing and mental health services also are part of the Senate’s proposal.

    The House approved a nearly $58 billion budget that includes new spending on public transportation, public safety, environmental protection, health care and housing. Healey unveiled a $56.1 billion budget in January that calls for capping spending increases at 2.9% across the board, citing the state’s declining revenue collections.

    Lawmakers are debating the spending plan amid concerns about the state’s finances, with taxes and other revenue coming in below benchmarks in recent months, and with federal pandemic aid drying up.

    Healey wielded her executive powers in February to slash $375 million from the current fiscal year budget to close a gap between spending and revenue.

    Senate President Karen Spilka said the spending plan calls for making “key investments,” but shows fiscal restraint as “prudent stewards of taxpayer dollars.”

    “Revenues rise and fall, but this is not the time to take our foot off the pedal when it comes to making investments in our residents that will improve quality of life, build a world-class workforce and keep people in Massachusetts so they can live, work and raise a family,” the Ashland Democrat told reporters on Tuesday.

    Senators are expected to file hundreds of proposed amendments to the budget ahead of debate on the spending bill next week, which could drive up the bill’s final price tag. The fiscal year begins July 1.

    Christian M. Wade covers the Massachusetts Statehouse for North of Boston Media Group’s newspapers and websites. Email him at cwade@cnhinews.com.

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    By Christian M. Wade | Statehouse Reporter

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  • Biden’s nursing home rules face pushback

    Biden’s nursing home rules face pushback

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    BOSTON — Nursing homes would be required to meet stringent staffing requirements under new Biden administration rules that the long-term care industry says are “unattainable” and could force some facilities to close their doors.

    The new Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services rules, which were finalized last month, will require nursing facilities that receive federal funding through the programs to employ enough staff to provide at least 3.48 hours of daily care for each resident.

    That includes 2.45 hours of nurse aide time and 0.55 hours of registered nurse assistance. Facilities also must have a registered nurse on site 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week.

    The White House says the new rule will require nursing facilities with 100 residents to have at least two registered nurses and at least 10 nurse aides as well as additional care staff per shift. Facilities caring for residents with higher needs will be required to increase staffing above the minimum levels, according to the new rules.

    Additionally, the Biden administration is requiring home care agencies allocate at least 80% of their Medicaid payments to staff compensation. States would have flexibility to adjust the rules for small and rural home care providers, according to the directive.

    Nursing home operators that fail to meet the new federal standards could lose Medicare and Medicaid funding, effectively putting them out of business.

    “Medicare and Medicaid pay billions of dollars per year to ensure that 1.2 million Americans that receive care in nursing homes are cared for, yet too many nursing homes chronically understaff their facilities, leading to substandard or unsafe care,” the White House said in a statement.

    “When facilities are understaffed, residents may go without basic necessities like baths, trips to the bathroom, and meals – and it is less safe when residents have a medical emergency,” the statement said.

    But the Massachusetts Senior Care Association, which represents nursing homes, said the new rules are “simply unattainable” for nearly every facility and, if implemented, “would lead to widespread disruption in accessing skilled nursing facility care.

    The association said the workforce crisis — with more than 7,000 vacant positions in nursing facilities — is “directly contributing to the current instability throughout the Massachusetts health care system.”

    “CMS’ failure to provide funding to hire, train and upskill the thousands of individuals necessary to meet the requirements of the final rule is projected to cost over $175 million annually in the commonwealth alone,” Tara Gregorio, the group’s president, said in a statement.

    Gregorio said the association is “fully committed to working with our government partners to secure the funding necessary to hire additional direct care workers, increase wages for our deserving staff, and to promote career pathways.”

    A MassHealth spokesperson said the agency, which oversees nursing homes, is “deeply committed to ensuring that members receiving services at nursing facilities across the state are getting excellent care.

    “We are currently reviewing the rule and its impact and look forward to working with our federal, state, and local partners,” the statement said.

    The state Department of Health’s long-term care facility regulations require a minimum of 3.580 hours of care per resident a day, 0.508 hours of which must be by a registered nurse. That’s higher than the standard for the new CMS regulation.

    DPH regulations also require 24 hour nursing service with an adequate number of trained nursing personnel on duty around the clock, according to the state agency.

    The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services estimates that roughly one-quarter of facilities would meet the minimum nursing requirement, including the onsite 24/7 rule.

    But the American Health Care Association, a trade group representing for-profit nursing homes, says about nine in 10 facilities would fail to meet at least one of the new staffing requirements. One-third of facilities would fail to meet all three standards, the group said.

    “While it may be well intentioned, the federal staffing mandate is an unreasonable standard that only threatens to shut down more nursing homes, displace hundreds of thousands of residents, and restrict seniors’ access to care,” AHCA President and CEO Mark Parkinson said in a statement. “It is unconscionable that the Administration is finalizing this rule given our nation’s changing demographics and growing caregiver shortage.”

    Christian M. Wade covers the Massachusetts Statehouse for North of Boston Media Group’s newspapers and websites. Email him at cwade@cnhinews.com

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    By Christian M. Wade | Statehouse Reporter

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  • Bankrupt Steward to sell hospitals

    Bankrupt Steward to sell hospitals

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    BOSTON — Bankrupt Steward Health Care System said it plans to sell all its hospitals — including eight in Massachusetts — to help pay off $9 billion in outstanding liabilities.

    The privately owned health care group is preparing to put its 31 U.S. hospitals up for sale as early as next month and hopes to finalize transactions by the end of the summer, the company’s attorneys said at a Tuesday hearing in a U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Texas.

    Steward, which filed for bankruptcy protection on Monday, plans to keep all of its hospitals open over the long term, attorney Ray Schrock told U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Chris Lopez, who is overseeing the company’s Chapter 11 proceedings.

    “Our goal remains that there are zero hospitals closed on our watch,” Schrock said. “There’s going to be a change in ownership in many hospitals, we recognize that. But we don’t want to see any of these communities fail to be served.”

    In court filings, Steward disclosed that it has $9 billion in liabilities, including $1.2 billion in loans, $6.6 billion in rent obligations, $1 billion owed to medical vendors and suppliers, and $290 million in unpaid employee wages and benefits.

    The company plans to hold auctions on June 28 for its hospitals outside of Florida, according to court filings. The deadline was negotiated as part of a $75 million bankruptcy loan, but Schrock said Steward may seek more time to sell its hospitals if necessary.

    “What we don’t want to do is have a fire sale of the assets,” Schrock told the judge, according to published reports. “There is a lot of value here.”

    Steward, the largest private for-profit hospital chain in the country, operates 31 hospitals across eight states — including Holy Family Hospital in Methuen and Haverhill — and employs more than 30,000 people, according to its website.

    The company also operated New England Sinai Hospital in Stoughton, which closed in April, leaving behind millions of dollars in unpaid rent and fees.

    Steward’s management has cited an increase in operating costs and insufficient federal government-program reimbursement among the factors leading to the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.

    Gov. Maura Healey has blamed “greed and mismanagement by Steward’s management, and says the bankruptcy process will increase transparency in the company’s hospital system.

    Healey has stressed that medical care will continue at the Steward hospitals throughout the bankruptcy proceedings and that patients won’t go without medical care.

    “Ultimately, this is a step toward our goal to getting Steward out of Massachusetts, and it allows us to do that to protect access to care, preserve jobs, and stabilize our health care system,” she told reporters at a Tuesday briefing on the company’s bankruptcy filing.

    The Healey administration has activated an “emergency operations plan” in response to Steward’s financial woes, including a command center to monitor the company’s hospitals in the state and manage the fallout of a bankruptcy filing.

    In a court fling ahead of Tuesday’s bankruptcy hearing in Texas, Attorney General Andrea Campbell argued that Steward “extracted value” from its Massachusetts hospitals to “pay substantial dividends to investors and expand their network in other states.”

    “These diversions have threatened to impact the debtors’ hospitals’ ability to provide health care within the commonwealth,” she wrote. “The debtors’ hospitals have been left without adequate resources to timely acquire and maintain needed equipment and infrastructure or even ensure an uninterrupted supply of emergency room drugs. Many are in disrepair.”

    Healey and members of the state’s congressional delegation, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, have criticized the private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management’s role in Steward’s finances. Cerberus created Steward after buying St. Elizabeth’s and five other Catholic hospitals in Massachusetts in 2010, according to the company’s website.

    In a statement, the company’s CEO, Ralph de la Torre, said the bankruptcy proceeding will ensure that the company is “better positioned to responsibly transition ownership of its Massachusetts-based hospitals, keep all of its hospitals open to treat patients, and ensure the continued care and service of our patients and our communities.”

    Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.

    Christian M. Wade covers the Massachusetts Statehouse for North of Boston Media Group’s newspapers and websites. Email him at cwade@cnhinews.com.

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    By Christian M. Wade | Statehouse Reporter

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  • Police/Fire

    Police/Fire

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    In news taken from the logs of Cape Ann’s police and fire departments:

    GLOUCESTER

    Monday, May 6

    5:54 p.m.: The Fire Department was assisted with a call from Centennial Avenue.

    5:27 p.m.: A juvenile matter was reported on Patriots Circle.

    5:26 p.m.: A parked motor vehicle was reportedly hit on Leslie O. Johnson Road.

    Crashes with property damage only were reported on Grant Circle at 1:43 a.m., on Route 128 southbound at 7:18 a.m., and East Main Street at 5:25 p.m.

    4:07 p.m.: Harassment was reported on Alpine Court.

    2:30 p.m.: Police took a report of a person possibly missing from Brightside Avenue. Police made contact with three people who said everything was fine.

    1:27 p.m.: A disabled vehicle was reported on Washington Street.

    1:13 p.m.: No action was required for a 911 caller seeking help with towing on Essex Avenue.

    7:58 a.m.: A 61-year-old New Hampshire woman faces an additional charge of assault and battery on a police officer during her transport to court from the Rockport Police Department, according to a police report. The woman was arrested Saturday around 1:12 a.m. on charges of driving under the influence of drugs, disorderly conduct and negligent operation of a motor vehicle after police came upon her vehicle parked in the center of the Fisherman’s Memorial, between the Man at the Wheel statue and the cenotaph tablets on Stacy Boulevard, according to the police report. On Monday, two Gloucester officers arrived at the Rockport station to take the woman to Gloucester District Court in Peabody. The officer on prisoner watch informed them the woman was on her knees splashing toilet water on the cell floor. The officer told the woman to sit on the bench so he could open the cell and allow her to put on her shoes. The report says the woman aggressively approached the cell door and said: “You guys are all demons” and hurled an expletive at the officers. Police repeatedly asked the woman to back away from the door, and she appeared as if she were preparing for a fight, the report said. As the officers went in to handcuff her, the report said the woman lunged through the cell door and attempted to grab an officer’s vest, hitting him in the chest. The officer blocked her and told her to get back into the cell. The report describes a struggle as officers attempted to handcuff her hands behind her back. After being handcuffed, the report said the woman became “legless” and refused to stand or walk to the cruiser. The woman had to be picked up and walked to the cruiser. Once inside the cruiser, police were concerned she would attempt to kick them if they tried to put a seatbelt on her. She was taken to court without further incident.

    7:47 a.m.: The Fire Department was assisted with a call on Centennial Avenue.

    ROCKPORT

    Tuesday, May 7

    6:44 p.m.: A report was made about alleged larceny/forgery/fraud at a Thatcher Road address.

    Medical emergencies: Individuals were taken to a hospital by ambulance from Paradis Circle at 12:35 p.m., Smith Street at 4:26 p.m., and Bayridge Lane at 5:05 p.m.

    1:03 p.m.: A report was made about a neighbor dispute at a Forest Street address.

    11:18 a.m.: A complaint about noise at a Sandy Bay Terrace address was lodged.

    10:01 a.m.: Animal Control was notified of a report made about an animal at the intersection of Main and Beach Streets.

    9:47 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on Thatcher Road, a violation was issued.

    MANCHESTER

    Tuesday, May 7

    Complaints about animals on Masconomo Street at 2:15 p.m., Central Street at 4:39 and 4:55 p.m., and Procter Street at 6:10 p.m. were lodged.

    3:03 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on Summer Street, a verbal warning was issued.

    Vandalism was reported on Eaglehead Road at 11:28 a.m. and Beach Street at 2:33 p.m.

    9:59 a.m.: Assistance was given to an individual on Central Street.

    9:24 a.m.: A complaint was made about noise at a Summer Street address.

    7:34 a.m.: A traffic hazard was reported on the southbound lanes of Route 128 near School Street.

    Traffic stops were conducted on the southbound lanes of Route 128 at 2:17 and 2:34 p.m. Both drivers were given verbal warnings.

    1:10 a.m.: Suspicious activity was reported at a Beach Street address.

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  • Cahill touts financial strength in State of City address

    Cahill touts financial strength in State of City address

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    BEVERLY — Mayor Mike Cahill used his annual State of the City address this week to highlight accomplishments and to reiterate that the city is in a strong financial position.






    Mike Cahill




    In a 30-minute speech at City Hall, Cahill said the city has built up reserves of over $30 million over the last decade — money that can be used to keep the city running smoothly in the event of an economic downturn.

    “Our reserves are meant to get us through a recession when revenues fall precipitously and to do so without wholesale layoffs and drastic deep cuts to critical services,” Cahill said.

    “These reserves are not meant to be used to outspend still strong and growing revenues during good economic times,” he added. “They are meant to help us keep delivering the services people need and rely on right through the worst economic times and through economic recovery from those bad times.”

    In his speech in front of the City Council on Monday night, Cahill ran down the accomplishments of each city department, calling it “a great year in Beverly.”

    Highlights mentioned by Cahill included:

    – The hiring of the first woman as city engineer, Lisa Chandler

    – Progress on upcoming traffic projects like a proposed roundabout at the intersection of Brimbal Avenue and Dunham Road, a traffic signal at the intersection of Corning, Essex and Spring streets, and the Bridge Street reconstruction project

    – Daily visits to the Senior Center are up 63%

    – Over 150,000 people visited the library

    – Two new parks on Simon Street will be completed this summer

    – New tennis courts will be built at Centerville and Cove playgrounds

    – A major renovation of Holcroft Park will begin this summer

    – The city’s senior tax workoff program has grown from 50 to over 90 seniors

    – The city will launch its first Beverly Youth Council for young people to learn more about local government and advocate for youth issues

    – The Fire Department has ordered a new pumper truck, which will replace Engine 1 in Central Fire Station when it arrives

    – Five new civilian dispatchers have been hired for the combined civilian, emergency medical services, police and fire dispatch system, with the goal to be “fully civilian” by fall, freeing up uniformed police officers to serve out in the community

    – The city’s veterans department prevented the eviction of three veterans from their houses

    – The city received 73 of the 80 grants it applied for over the last fiscal year, bringing in over $5 million in revenue

    – The mayor’s office launched an iPad translation program for visitors to City Hall whose primary language is not English

    – Four applications have been submitted under the city’s new accessory dwelling unit ordinance

    – The Salem Skipper rideshare program expanded into Beverly starting May 1

    – The city’s community garden has moved from Cole Street to Moraine Farm, and garden plots are still available for this season

    – The city’s electricity aggregation program started on May 1, providing residents and businesses with lower electricity costs while increasing the amount of clean renewable energy

    – Coastal resiliency projects at Lynch Park and Obear Park are in the design and permitting phase

    – Beverly Airport had its most flights since 2003 and is planning to rebuild its main runway

    Cahill closed by thanking the city’s department heads and staff for their work.

    “Thanks in significant part to their contributions, the state of our city remains strong,” he said to the City Council. “With their partnership and with yours, I know the state of our city will improve and become ever stronger well into the future.”

    Staff Writer Paul Leighton can be reached at 978-338-2535, by email at pleighton@salemnews.com, or on Twitter at @heardinbeverly.

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    By Paul Leighton | Staff Writer

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  • Police/Fire

    Police/Fire

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    In news taken from the logs of Cape Ann’s police and fire departments:

    GLOUCESTER

    Sunday, May 5

    10:02 p.m.: A crash with property damage only was reported on Washington and Mansfield streets.

    5:16 p.m.: Police took a report of child abuse.

    4:23 p.m.: Trash dumping was reported on Eastern Point Boulevard. A pile of cutup posts and lumber dumped in a pile off to the side of a back driveway was discovered in a homeowner’s backyard. The homeowner gave a description of a man he had confronted on his property. The man told the homeowner he was “just checking the place out,” the report said. The homeowner said the man appeared to be acting suspiciously and he believed he was casing the home. The man then walked down the driveway and left. The homeowner did not see if he got into a vehicle. A neighbor did not see anything. Police planned to check with Eastern Point security to review footage to identify the man and a possible vehicle.

    3:15 p.m.: Police planned to file a criminal complaint against a 61-year-old New Hampshire woman on a charge of assault and battery on a police officer at the Rockport Police Department where people are held in custody with the Gloucester Police Department presently under renovations. 

    1:03 p.m.: Police provided mutual aid to Manchester police on Summer Street.

    5:59 a.m.: A hypodermic needle was retrieved from Commercial Street and dispose of safely.

    Saturday, May 4

    7:32 p.m.: Police assisted the Fire Department with a medical emergency.

    Crashes with property damage only reported on Grant Circle on Washington Street at 11:02 a.m., Washington and Addison streets at 3:03 p.m., Washington and Poplar streets at 4:02 p.m., Market Basket on Gloucester Crossing Road at 4:44 p.m., Elm Street at 5:53 p.m., andon Walker Street at 7:16 p.m. 

    Fire Department was assisted with calls from Walker Street at 2:05 p.m. and from McPherson Park on Prospect Street at 6:25 p.m.

    5:03 p.m.: Loitering was reported at Walgreens on Main Street.

    2:34 p.m.: Police responded to a disturbance on Essex Avenue.

    9:12 a.m.: A crash with injuries was reported at 54 Eastern Ave. Police planned to file a criminal complaint against a 53-year-old Gloucester man on charges of driving with a suspended license, negligent operation and a marked lanes violation. A vehicle was towed from the scene.

    9:07 a.m.: Debris was reported on Addison Street.

    7:11 a.m.: No action was required for a report of credit card fraud from Heights at Cape Ann.

    1:11 a.m.: As a result of a report of a suspicious motor vehicle at the Man at the Wheel statue on Stacy Boulevard and Western Avenue, police arrested a 61-year-old resident of Bow, New Hampshire, on charges of driving under the influence of drugs, disorderly conduct and negligent operation of a motor vehicle. Police arrived to find the vehicle parked on the boulevard in the center of the Fisherman’s Memorial, between the Man at the Wheel statue and the cenotaphs — the granite blocks and bronze plaques —and the railing. Police found the driver with her eyes closed, swaying her head side to side, and mumbling to herself. When ordered to put the car in park and shut it off, the woman at first refused, but eventually did so, th police  report said. The woman said she was on her way to New Hampshire from Logan Airport in Boston and decided to come to Gloucester “to speak with the ocean,” the report said. The woman became agitated as an officer asked her questions. She reportedly jumped out of her vehicle in an angry manner, telling police she could park somewhere else and there was no reason for them to be there. An officer informed the woman he had never seen a person park a vehicle in this manner in the 32 years he has lived in Gloucester. Police then asked her to submit to field sobriety tests, and after jumping up on the granite blocks and showing signs of impairment during two of the tests, police arrested her on a charge of disorderly conduct. The officer concluded the woman was driving under the influence of drugs, the report said. Police requested the vehicle be towed and saw fresh damage on both its sides. Police did not locate illegal drugs in the vehicle, but found the driver’s prescription for lorazepam. Police filed an immediate threat for her right to drive in Massachusetts.

    Friday, May 3

    9:14 p.m.: Police planned to file a criminal complaint with a charge of trespassing against a 49-year-old Gloucester resident of no known address. Police were dispatched for a report of a man sitting on the railroad tracks off Dory Road and refusing to move so that the inbound train could pass. While police were heading there, dispatch informed responding officers that witnesses said the man was walking toward the Cleveland Street crossing but was still on the tracks. Police walked the tracks about a half mile approaching the train but were unable to locate anyone on the tracks. The train engineer and conductor described the man as tall, balding with curly hair on the sides and wearing a red sweatshirt. This description matched that of a man police had escorted off the tracks in the same location the day before. Police eventually caught up with the man. Police reminded him of their prior conversation regarding trespassing on the tracks. He told police he has nothing to do and his family has always walked the tracks. He was not trying to harm himself, he was just bored, he told police, who told the man the tracks are posted as “No Trespassing,” and that they would be charging him for trespassing.

    Crashes with property damage only reported at the Blackburn Rotary at 2:13 p.m., and on Pirates Lane at 5:38 p.m.

    1:51 p.m.: Trash dumping was reported on Elm Street. A caller reported trash that has been put out a week in advance.

    10:40 a.m.: A 54-year-old Gloucester resident was arrested on an active warrant for a restraining order violation. The man was taken into custody after a motor-vehicle stop of a white Ford truck on Poplar Street and Bertoni Road. The man was taken to Peabody District Court.

    10:04 a.m.: A disabled vehicle was reported on Hesperus and Western avenues.

    7:42 a.m.: A report of annoying phone calls was under investigation. The log refers to charges being sought.

    ROCKPORT

    Monday, May 6

    Noon: The Fire Department was dispatched to a Drumlin Road address.

    Sunday, May 5

    2:48 p.m.: A medical emergency ambulance transport was conducted from a Main Street address.

    8:13 a.m.: The Fire Department was dispatched to a Granite Street address.

    Saturday, May 4

    Medical emergencies: Individuals were taken to the hospital by ambulance from the intersection of Beach and Main Streets at 10:36 a.m., the intersection of Thatcher Road and Tregony Bow at 11:19 a.m., the intersection of Thatcher Road and Highview Road at 11:34 a.m., and a Main Street address at 2:03 p.m.

    ESSEX

    Monday, May 6

    7:36 p.m.: A police investigation was conducted at a Pond Street address.

    7:27 p.m.: An ambulance transport was conducted from the intersection of Apple Street and Western Avenue.

    5:01 p.m.: A report was made about a motor vehicle crash on John Wise Avenue.

    1:17 p.m.: A report was made about a motor vehicle crash on Main Street.

    Sunday, May 5

    5:38 p.m.: After a report of an injury, a medical ambulance transport was refused at a Western Avenue address.

    9:56 a.m.: A medical ambulance transport was conducted from a Sagamore Circle address.

    Saturday, May 4

    7:29 a.m.: A request was made about a public utility on Martin Street.

    MANCHESTER

    Monday, May 6

    11:07 p.m.: Suspicious activity was reported on Ancient County Way at 9:59 p.m., at the intersection of Pine and Pleasant Streets at10:20 p.m., and at the Pine Street Fields at 11:07 p.m.

    4:53 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop at the intersection of Pine Street and Parsons Lane, a written warning was issued.

    4:34 p.m.: A complaint was made about an animal on Allen Avenue.

    2:46 p.m.: A report was made about lost and found property at a Central Street address.

    1:53 p.m.: A report was made about a motor vehicle crash on Jersey Lane.

    1:48 p.m.: A community policing event was attended to at a Lincoln Street address.

    1:27 p.m.: A report of a structure fire was confirmed at a Boardman Avenue address. “It was just contained to an oven,” said Lt. Robert Cavender. “It was out before we even got there. It was just a small oven fire contained to the oven.”

    1:17 p.m.: Acomplaint about noise at the intersection of Sea and Summer Streets was lodged.

    8:27 a.m.: A transport was conducted at a Central Street address.

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  • Town Meeting OKs budget, local option taxes in first night

    Town Meeting OKs budget, local option taxes in first night

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    MARBLEHEAD — Town Meeting approved local meals and rooms taxes in its opening night, but technological hiccups ultimately forced the meeting to pause after Article 26, leaving the back-half of the warrant for night two on Tuesday.

    A smattering of technical issues plagued the opening of Town Meeting, causing it to take more than an hour to move through procedural articles. Issues ranged from audio cutting out in the overflow chamber outside of the middle school’s auditorium and video projector issues that prevented the timely display of the articles being voted on. The issues were finally ironed out by about 8:40 p.m., nearly two hours in.

    The meeting also saw the successful launch and use of an electronic clicker system for vote tracking, which showed that Town Meeting opened with more than 800 people when a vote of 704 to 97 was tallied to close out Article 6. More than an hour later, a narrow, three-vote margin was tabulated in 20 seconds with no need for further verification or manual tallying.

    Dozens of Marblehead union employees lined the entrance to the auditorium at Veterans Middle School prior to the start of the meeting, calling for a restoration of prior cuts that took place to balance prior budgets.

    “There’s no more room to cut that budget,” said Jonathan Heller, co-chairperson of the Marblehead Education Association. “They’ve been able to bridge between a reduced budget and level-service budget. That’s what we’re hoping this town will approve tonight, to get us back to level budget at first.”

    The unions were quiet during the meeting, however, with a brief comment from Terri Tauro, president of the Marblehead Municipal Employees Union, on an indefinitely postponed article on the police contract. 

    “I’d like to start with a shout-out to our town employees,” Tauro said. “Marblehead’s town employees educate your children and keep them safe. We keep your power on, plow the snow, and care for your aging parents. 

    “For many of us, the wages we make working for the town are far less than what it would take to live in the town,” Tauro said. “It may soon be that our wages won’t cover living in this state. Massachusetts is, after all, the fourth most expensive state in this country to live.”

    The first articles to receive substantial debate were 24 and 25, two measures to add meals and lodging taxes, with each factoring in generating about $200,000 in revenue for the budget passed in Article 26. 

    Debate also focused on the reported 261 short-term rental units that exist and are presently untaxed in Marblehead, a group of property owners that one resident Monday night suggested would put the town’s only two hotels at a competitive disadvantage.

    Carolyn Pyburn, of Gilbert Heights Road, sought instead to lower the 6% proposed for the rooms tax down to 4%. That vote failed by a razor-thin margin of 391 to 394 — a result that arrived within 20 seconds with the new voting method.

    “This is another no-brainer,” said Albert Jordan, a Roosevelt Avenue resident, of the rooms tax. “There’s 351 communities in Massachusetts, and most of them are doing this.”

    Peter Conway, an Orchard Street resident, raised another issue with the tax: That many rooms are paid for in advance.

    “You can’t go back to the guests who’ve made a contract with you,” Conway said of hotels. “To be fair, that would have to be put off until at least the fall to give the businesses the chance to reach out to people.”

    Article 24, the meals tax, passed 515 to 294. The main vote for the rooms tax, after the failed amendment, was 469 to 345. The budget then passed 611 to 63 after a series of votes on individual departments and appropriations that reflected similar approval margins.

    The meeting was adjourned following the budget, leaving articles 27 through 53 for night two, Tuesday, beginning at 7 p.m.

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    By Dustin Luca | Staff Writer

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  • Medical aid in dying plan inches forward

    Medical aid in dying plan inches forward

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    BOSTON — A proposal that would authorize physicians to administer lethal doses of drugs to terminally ill patients is advancing on Beacon Hill after winning support from two key legislative committees.

    Both the Legislature’s Public Health and Health Care Financing committees have approved the bills with a recommendation that they ought to pass, sending the measures to the Senate Ways and Means Committee for consideration.

    Advocates praised the vote to advance the bills, noting that it was the first time that the Health Care Financing committee approved the proposal.

    Melissa Stacy, Northeast campaign director for the group Compassion & Choices Action Network, called it a “historic movement to help alleviate unbearable suffering for terminally ill patients.”

    More than 80 lawmakers have signed the proposals filed by Rep. Jim O’Day, D-West Boylston, and Sen. Joanne Comerford, D-Northampton. The bills would allow terminally ill patients to be prescribed a lethal dose of medication to end their lives.

    The proposals would require patients to make two verbal requests for a doctor’s intervention at least 15 days apart, as well as a written request signed by two witnesses. A physician would need to certify that the patient seeking access to lethal medicine is suffering from an incurable, irreversible condition.

    But the measures still face a tough slog on Beacon Hill, where perennial medical-aid-in-dying proposals have failed to win final approval despite increasing support and emotional testimony from terminally ill patients who pack hearings to tell their stories.

    If the Senate approves the legislation, it would still need to go before the House of Representatives before landing on Gov. Maura Healey’s desk for review.

    In 2012, Massachusetts voters rejected a ballot question that would have allowed the terminally ill to end their lives with medication prescribed by physicians. The referendum was narrowly defeated, with 51% voting against it.

    But a March poll by Beacon Research found more than 73% of Massachusetts residents believe doctors should be allowed to end a patient’s life by painless means.

    Critics of medical aid in dying laws, including medical and religious groups and advocates for those with disabilities, say misdiagnoses are common. They urged lawmakers not to approve the practice.

    Terminally ill patients suffer from depression, they noted, and may irrationally decide to end their lives.

    Others argue that legalizing physician-assisted suicide would encourage suicide among those suffering from depression and other mental health issues.

    Lawmakers who support proposals to authorize the procedure say it would include safeguards to prevent abuse and rules to keep doctors from prescribing lethal drugs to those with mental health issues or impaired judgment.

    Proponents of the practice got a boost in 2017 when the Massachusetts Medical Society dropped its longstanding opposition to physician-assisted suicide.

    A U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 1997 left the issue largely up to states. Thirty-seven states have since banned the practice, either at the ballot box or by legislative act.

    But at least eight states, including Vermont and Maine, have approved medical aid in dying laws, according to the advocacy group Death with Dignity.

    In December, the state Supreme Judicial Court upheld a Massachusetts law allowing state prosecutors to charge doctors for prescribing life-ending medication to terminally ill patients.

    Justices rejected claims in a lawsuit that the prosecution of physicians who provide lethal medication to mentally competent, terminally ill adults is unconstitutional.

    The high court didn’t rule on the constitutionality of medical aid in dying laws, saying the issue is best left to the “democratic process where the resolution can be informed by robust public debate and thoughtful research by experts in the field.”

    Christian M. Wade covers the Massachusetts Statehouse for North of Boston Media Group’s newspapers and websites. Email him at cwade@cnhinews.com.

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    By Christian M. Wade | Statehouse Reporter

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  • Area police news

    Area police news

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    BeverlyTuesday

    Officers were sent to Mechanic Street where they restored the peace after a disturbance.

    An ambulance was sent to Federal Street at 7:05 p.m., and another to Pratt Avenue at 9:01 p.m., to transport separate individuals to the hospital.

    Police were sent to the intersection of Essex and Winter streets at 10:41 p.m. to restore peace after a disturbance.

    Wednesday

    Police responded to Hale Street at Prides Crossing for a motor vehicle accident with property damage only.

    An officer was sent to Manor Road at 9:29 a.m. to report on a recent incident of vandalism.

    A call to assist a citizen brought police to Foster’s Point at 2:57 p.m. An ambulance was dispatched, and the person was transported to the hospital.

    PeabodyWednesday

    Police and an ambulance were sent to Peabody Shell, 85 Lynnfield St., at 6:46 a.m. for a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident. The operator was evaluated by Atlantic Ambulance and refused treatment.

    A two-vehicle accident brought police to the intersection of Beckett and Sutton streets for an accident without injuries. Both vehicles were towed, and one operator was summoned to court for unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

    An ambulance was dispatched to the McVann O’Keefe Rink, 511 Lowell St., at 11:16 a.m. for a fall with a head strike. The patient was transported to Salem Hospital.

    Police were sent to an apartment at 50 Warren St. for a dispute over stolen medication. Two people, a man and a woman, were arrested and transported to Peabody District Court. The 45-year-old Malden man was charged with two counts of possessing a Class E drug and with larceny under $1,200; and the 57-year-old Peabody woman was charged with distributing a Class E drug.

    Police stopped a vehicle at 12:44 p.m. in the vicinity of 1 Lake Street and transported the 42-year-old Peabody male to Peabody District Court to face three charges: unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, driving an uninsured vehicle and driving an unregistered motor vehicle.

    A Forest Street woman called police at 1:53 p.m. to report that her goat had been stolen.

    Police were called to the intersection of Northend Street and Kenwood Road at 2:52 p.m. for a two-vehicle accident with an airbag deployment, a possible head injury, and fluids were leaking from the vehicle. Both vehicles were towed and one operator was cited for failure to yield. There was no hospital transport.

    A caller from 48 Washington St. called police to report her home had been burglarized. The officer reported there was no issue; window had fallen off.

    Police stopped a vehicle on Lynnfield Street at 5:25 p.m. after a caller reported a gray Jeep driving all over the road before hitting a pole in the vicinity of Bartholomew Street. Police located the vehicle and arrested the operator, a 31-year-old Salem man. He was charged with drunken driving and with leaving the scene of a property-damage accident.

    Police were called to DBVS, 79 Lynnfield St., for a vehicle parked in the fire lane. Arrington Tow was called, and the operator, a 39-year-old Peabody man will be summoned to court for operating an unregistered motor vehicle, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and for driving on a suspended license.

    A cruiser was sent to the Cabaret Lounge, 96 Newbury St., for a female who had called 911 at 11:53 p.m. to request a ride home. The caller disconnected and operator attempted to call back. On the first attempt, there was no answer and a voicemail was left. The second callback reached a crying female who said she wants to go home and declined medical services. On third callback attempt, the caller said she was crying because she had no way of getting home. She disconnected. The responding officer said the female is going home with the male party she came with.

    Thursday

    An officer was called to Route 128 north for a three-vehicle hit-run accident without injuries or hazards. The officer reported it was not an accident, it was a road-rage incident. The officer summoned the operator of Mass. license plate #49NCF49 for an attempted assault witnessed by the owner/operator of Mass. 9CF571 against the operator of Mass. #4NVM54. The officer attempted to contact the operator at a Peabody address, but the vehicle was not there. The officer spoke with a male who said he believes it was another family member operating the vehicle and he provided the name of the person, a 64-year-old Peabody male, and he was summoned to court on an assault charge.

    Salem

    Tuesday

    Police were called to 91 Lafayette St. at 4 p.m. to report on a larceny.

    An officer was called to 22 High St. at 5:02 p.m. to settle a dispute.

    Police went to 40 Leggs Hill Road at 5:28 p.m. to handle a juvenile issue.

    A report of being threatened brought police to 124 Boston St. at 6:51 p.m.

    Officers were sent to 227 Highland Ave. at 7:25 p.m. to settle a disturbance.

    Police stopped a vehicle at 8:42 p.m. in the vicinity of Loring Avenue and Station Road, and after a brief investigation, they arrested 33-year-old Salem man and charged him with disorderly conduct.

    Police reported at 11:29 p.m. that a person had been threatened in the vicinity of 259 Highland Ave.

    Wednesday

    An officer was sent to 30 Walter St. at 9:03 a.m. in response to a holdup or panic alarm. It was unfounded.

    At 11:34 a.m., Police arrested a 32-year-old homeless Salem man on an outstanding warrant after a traffic stop in the vicinity of 220 Highland Ave.

    The report of a shoplifting brought police to 250 Highland Ave. at 3:05 p.m.

    Danvers

    Tuesday

    Police were sent to Cemetery Road at 4:33 p.m. to assist Middleton and Peabody in a police chase.

    Officers were called to MB Spirits, 139 Endicott St. at 5:42 p.m. in response to a business alarm indicating a holdup at the left register.

    Police were sent to 2 Old Stonewall Ave. at 10:10 p.m. to check for a rider mower. Area search was negative.

    Wednesday

    An officer was sent to the vicinity of 125 High St. to check the well-being of an elderly male wearing a red jacket.

    Officers were called to the Liberty Tree Mall, 100 Independence Way, at 12:18 p.m. for an intoxicated male. The 36-year-old Danvers male was placed into protective custody until he sobered up.

    An officer was sent too 345 Locust St. at 1:07 p.m. for the larceny of a chicken.

    A Kirkbride resident notified police at 1:21 p.m. of a lost or stolen New Hampshire temporary license plate.

    A case of road rage was reported at 2:13 p.m. from the vicinity of the Thompson house, 160 Water St.

    Marblehead

    Tuesday

    Four officers were sent to the intersection of Spring and Elm streets at 1:14 a.m. for a motor vehicle stop. After a brief records check, they arrested a 47-year-old Salem man. He was charged with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and operating an unregistered motor vehicle.

    Three officers, fire and an ambulance were dispatched to the intersection of Creesy and Green streets at 6:57 a.m. for a motor vehicle crash. One person was transported to the hospital and a driver was cited. The log neglected to indicate how many vehicles were involved.

    An officer was sent to State Street at 10:38 a.m., to investigate a larceny, forgery or fraud.

    Two officers were sent to Baldwin Road at 1:04 p.m. in response to a burglar alarm.

    Two officers responded to a burglar alarm at 10:22 p.m. on Longview Drive, but it was a false alarm.

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  • As court overturns a lot-splitting law, SB 9, one early adopter asks why

    As court overturns a lot-splitting law, SB 9, one early adopter asks why

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    Sam Andreano is currently putting the finishing touches on his split-lot property in Whittier. He’s a guinea pig for state Senate Bill 9, a housing law that allows homeowners to divvy up their properties and build two or even four units on a once-single-family lot.

    Andreano, 59, was one of SB 9’s earliest adopters. He bought a single-family home for $790,000 in 2021, split the property in half and sold the existing home on half of the original lot for $777,777 in 2023 — essentially coming out with an empty lot for a little over $12,000, around what it would have cost in the 1970s.

    Then, Andreano spent around $400,000 building a home onto the back half of the original lot. He estimates it’ll be worth around $850,000 when it’s finished next month.

    The project was an absolute success; Andreano added density to a single-family lot and came out well financially.

    That’s why he was so shocked when an L.A. County judge struck down the law last month.

    Superior Court Judge Curtis Kin determined that SB 9 is unconstitutional because it doesn’t provide housing restricted for low-income residents, which he said was the law’s stated purpose. For now, it affects five cities: Redondo Beach, Carson, Torrance, Whittier and Del Mar. But the ruling clears the way for the law — one of many designed to alleviate California’s housing crisis — to be invalidated in cities across the state.

    Few took advantage of the law, especially compared with other state laws created to increase density. A study from Bay Area NPR affiliate KQED-FM found that 16 California cities — including San José, San Francisco, Long Beach and Sacramento — approved just 75 split-lot applications and 112 applications for new units under SB 9 from 2022 to 2023, while approving 8,800 accessory dwelling units during the same stretch.

    Andreano thinks he knows why. He said some property owners he spoke to were hesitant to build SB 9 projects because they were afraid it would be overturned, and now their fears have come true. His project is fine because the property has already been divided, but he said others still applying will surely lose money due to the ruling.

    “You have to pay the architect, the engineer and others. Then the ruling comes down saying it’s overturned, and you’re out $50,000,” he said.

    Andreano was able to push his project through before the court decision because he moved quickly. He bought the Whittier property in December 2021 with the intention to split it up under SB 9 and officially started his application four months later.

    The process took two years, hundreds of phone calls and tens of thousands of dollars.

    The law allows a single-family-zoned lot to be split into two, and owners can build either a single-family home or a duplex on each lot, for a total of up to four units. But it requires the two lots to be split somewhat evenly, with a maximum difference of 60-40, and also requires each new lot to be at least 1,200 square feet.

    Under these restrictions, the ideal properties for SB 9 are big lots with small houses. So Andreano specifically bought a property that would work well under the guidelines: a 1,200-square-foot house on a 6,232-square-foot lot. Big(ish) lot, small house.

    He had to file two applications: one with the L.A. County Department of Regional Planning, and one with the Whittier Public Works Department. He addressed easements, sewer lines, power lines, where water would flow when it rains, etc.

    Then he brought in an architect, which cost about $20,000; a grading engineer, which cost around $15,000; a soil engineer, which cost around $8,000; and a surveyor, which cost around $5,000. The L.A. County Fire Department did three inspections, which cost around $1,500 each, and he also spent around $3,000 on application fees.

    “It was a lot of back-and-forth,” he said. “I’d submit my application, and the city would ask for revisions on A, B and C. Then I’d submit the revisions, and they’d ask for revisions on D, E and F.”

    He’s in the final stages of finishing the back house, bringing the timeline of the project to roughly two years. He said it’s definitely been worth it.

    The property now features two single-family homes separated by a fence: a 1,200-square-foot front house with three bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms on a 3,349-square-foot lot, and an 1,100-square-foot back house with three bedrooms and two bathrooms on a 2,893-square-foot lot, where he plans to live. The lot-size split is 53.65% to 46.35%, well within the 60-40 restrictions.

    “People want to buy houses, and this is a way to increase density while also letting people work out the details on their own,” he said.

    Andreano hired Dennis Robinson, owner of Custom ADU Builder, to build the back house. Robinson has constructed seven SB 9 projects, and he’s completing seven more.

    Robinson handles both ADUs and SB 9 projects and said each type has it own perks.

    “ADUs are faster and cheaper, and you save around $20,000 in the permitting process alone,” he said. “But if you want to add multiple units to your property, SB 9 is better.”

    Robinson was surprised when the law was overturned. He was about to break ground on a project in Long Beach, where a family wanted to expand its garage into a 1,000-square-foot home and add a unit above, but now it’s in jeopardy.

    If the ruling is appealed and upheld, it would expand to affect California’s 121 charter cities, including Long Beach, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

    The law was declared unconstitutional on the grounds that it didn’t provide housing for low-income residents, but Andreano said that if he had to sell or rent the home as low-income, he would’ve lost money.

    “That affordability factor makes sense for a 100-unit condo, where a developer can set a few units aside for low income, but it doesn’t work for an individual home,” he said. “The goal for SB 9 should be to add housing in order to make the market more affordable in general.”

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    Jack Flemming

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  • Andover voters approve capital improvements, reject ballot questions

    Andover voters approve capital improvements, reject ballot questions

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    ANDOVER — After a turbulent first day of Town Meeting, a noticeably more subdued crowd approved millions of dollars in capital improvements while voting down ballot questions Tuesday night.

    Voters struck down two articles that sought to add similar nonbinding ballot questions for the next local election.

    The questions would have asked residents their opinion on the town meeting form of government.

    Members of a committee that recently studied whether the town should continue with Town Meeting spoke against the articles, saying a ballot vote could undermine the group’s work.

    “Town Meeting is where knowledge and perspectives are exchanged,” said Jon Stumpf, chair of the town governance study committee.

    Others residents were worried about what the town should do with the results of a survey.

    “It robs all of us of the benefits of deliberation and debate,” said committee Vice Chair Dara Obbard. “It could lead to something we won’t have a say in.”

    The articles were defeated 266-190 and 268-161.

    “Of the people, by the people, for the people,” said Keith Saxon, who advocated for studying if the town should continue to hold Town Meeting.

    “We have 26,000 registered voters in Andover,” Saxon said, pointing to the meeting’s low attendance.

    The proposal may have elicited a feeling of deja vu for some voters.

    At a Special Town Meeting in November, voters approved an article similar to what was rejected at this meeting.

    Due to a minor procedural rule, the article was not technically legal, according to town legal counsel Doug Heim, who said ballot questions need to be voted on at a regular Town Meeting, not a Special Town Meeting.

    That vote also saw a lot more participation. It was approved 1,181 to 692.

    Rather than use their authority to add the question for the election in March, the Select Board decided to throw the article back to voters at this Town Meeting.

    The petitioner for the original article proposed the similar article.

    This resulted in two articles that sought to achieve a similar aim to the one adopted in November but later found to be invalid.

    Some in town think that Andover has outgrown Town Meeting, a form of government where residents come together once or more in a year to vote on legislation, rules and appropriations.

    Many have argued the low attendance is evidence of this. Those in favor have said Town Meeting is unique in its ability to give every resident who wants it a direct voice in local government.

    Voters approved Article 23, which limits the town staff positions that the Select Board must approve. Before the change, the board had to approve every position, including part-time positions such as lifeguard.

    Voters also approved millions of dollars for capital projects, including sidewalk repairs and tree removal.

    Residents voted to spend more than $4 million from the town’s general fund for projects related to IT infrastructure and minor storm drainage improvements.

    More than $7 million for water and sewer expenses was appropriated with the majority, $6 million, destined for water main replacement and distribution improvement projects.

    The full list of articles voted on can be found at andoverma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=945.

    The number of voters participating in the later votes that night were fewer than during the previous day or even earlier that night when MBTA zoning was debated.

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    By Teddy Tauscher | ttauscher@eagletribune.com

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  • Tarr details ‘new threat’ to Salisbury Beach

    Tarr details ‘new threat’ to Salisbury Beach

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    SALISBURY — Standing before a smattering of local officials at Blue Ocean Music Hall, state Sen. Bruce Tarr detailed what he called a “new threat” to Salisbury Beach.

    Joined by town environmental consultant Tom Hughes and Town Manager Neil Harrington on Monday, the Gloucester Republican said the northern part of the beach is in serious danger of massive overwash.

    Overwash is the flow of water and sediment over a coastal dune or beach crest during storms.

    “The damage will be exponentially worse than what we’ve seen so far. And importantly, it will make the cost of remediation substantially higher, if it’s even within reach. This area of the beach is extremely vulnerable and it compels our action,” Tarr said.

    The Senate minority leader’s speech was billed as the latest attempt to stave off severe, ongoing erosion at Salisbury Beach.

    After a few minutes, Hughes took the microphone and elaborated on the latest threat.

    “That overwash elevation is a little bit above 15 feet above sea level,” Hughes said.

    Until last fall, according to Hughes, all of the dunes exceeded that elevation. But now there is a 1,200-foot stretch of the northern beach that is in the 13- to 14-foot range.

    “This is what would happen if nothing is done is we would get a significant overwatch event, a sustained storm that essentially just flattens the barrier and exposes 1A and all of the homes behind it to risk,” Hughes said, referring to Route 1A (North End Boulevard).

    The fix Hughes has been working on with Tarr would come in two phases. Phase one would look to restore the dunes to an elevation of 17 feet above sea level. The estimated cost would be $1.75 million.

    “It’s a very small project. It would need to be maintained until we can do a phase two,” Hughes said.

    The phase two project would bring the elevation up to 19 feet and extend the volume out further towards the water.

    “That requires more significant permitting,” Hughes said.

    The total cost for both phases would be approximately $6 million.

    “For us to be able to act, we have to be concerned about the shorebirds that will soon be on the beach, or at least there’s the potential for them to be on the beach, which presents a significant constraint in our ability to do work,” Tarr said.

    Tarr said to secure Salsibury Beach it will take the cooperation of various parties, including the Merrimack River Beach Alliance, Department of Conservation and Recreation, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, state legislators, town officials, federal legislators, local stakeholders, United States Army Corps of Engineers, Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Transportation and other state regulatory agencies.

    “We cannot address this situation properly without everyone being at the table, and we think that we have set the stage with all the work that’s been done and all that you’ve heard today for us to have a productive path and one that will avoid significant damage,” Tarr said.

    Asked where the funding would come from, he said it would come from a number of sources, including the Salisbury Beach Preservation Trust Fund.

    The Salisbury Beach Preservation Trust Fund was the idea in 2008 of former state Sen. Steven Baddour, who worked with then-state Rep. Michael Costello, D-Newburyport, to make it a law. Baddour and Costello undertook that task after devastating storms ravaged Salisbury Beach three years in a row, including the Patriots Day storm of 2008, which scoured sand from the beach that is owned and maintained by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation.

    “That’s in the near term, and in the long term we hope to cobble together the resources to have a sustainable beach. And again, our federal partners have identified some very promising sources,” Tarr said.

    Tarr emphasized that one of the big reasons the beach is such an urgent issue is that it protects Route 1A.

    “One-A is the subject of a planned project for reconstruction that literally is going to cost millions of dollars, so there’s a transportation component here, and we’re exploring the synergy potentially between investment in the road and investment in the beach that protects it,” Tarr said.

    Route 1A is also an emergency route for the Seabrook Nuclear Power Station.

    Regarding a timeline for securing funding, Tarr did not provide specifics but stated that for this initial short-term solution they would need to have it done by mid-June.

    “That means getting dollars fast, that means executing emergency contracts, that means mobilizing equipment,” Tarr said.

    He said he has continued to have in-depth conversations with Gov. Maura Healey.

    “She has walked this beach. She was instrumental in getting three access points restored after they were damaged by a storm not all that long ago. She knows what we face, and we’re all trying to work together to find a path forward,” Tarr said.

    Harrington shared that he hoped Healey is paying attention.

    “We are here to plead with the governor to listen to the citizens of Salisbury, to follow the science about what’s going on here at the beach, and to work with our legislative delegation to get this critical, immediate funding for the beach,” Harrington said.

    Erosion at Salisbury Beach has been going on for some time, dating back to December 2022 when the initial damage from nor’easter Elliott occurred.

    Local leaders first learned during a Salisbury Beach Resiliency Subcommittee meeting May 4 that the Department of Conservation and Recreation had shut down Points 8, 9 and 10 for a year due to beach erosion caused by the nor’easter. Points 9 and 10 were reopened the Friday before Memorial Day, with point 8 restored just before the Fourth of July.

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    By Matt Petry | mpetry@northofboston.com

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  • Police/Fire

    Police/Fire

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    In news taken from the logs of Cape Ann’s police and fire departments:

    GLOUCESTER

    Tuesday, April 23

    9:08 p.m.: Suspicious activity was reported on Gloucester Crossing Road.

    8:15 p.m.: Debris in the roadway was reported on the extension of Route 128.

    7:29 p.m.: The Fire Department was assisted with a report from Flatrocks/Seaside Cemetery on Langsford Street.

    2:09 p.m.: Police at the station took a report of fraud.

    11:27 a.m.: No action was required for a report of a disturbance at Harbor Village on Main Street.

    11:21 a.m.: Police were unable to serve a warrant on Blackburn Drive.

    ROCKPORT

    Tuesday, April 30

    7:03 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on Wildon Heights, a verbal warning was issued.

    Medical emergencies: Ambulance transport to a hospital was conducted from Curtis Street at 10:39 p.m., South Street at 11:20 a.m. and Kitefield Road at 4:29 p.m.

    10:01 a.m.:  A police wellness check was conducted at a Main Street address.

    Monday April 29

    11:22 p.m.: A person was assisted at a South Street address.

    Medical emergencies: Individuals were taken to a hospital by ambulance from Granite Street at 1:06 p.m., and Sandy Bay Terrace at 10:23 p.m.

    Traffic stops were made on Bearskin Neck at 6:46 a.m., Broadway at 5:42 p.m., and Mt. Pleasant Street at 5:48 p.m. The first drivers received a verbal warning, while the latter was issued a written warning.

    MANCHESTER

    Tuesday, April 30

    10:27 p.m.: Suspicious activity was reported at a Central Street address.

    6:07 p.m.: The erratic operation of a motor vehicle on Pine Street was reported.

    5:35 p.m.: An individual was assisted on Central Street.

    5:15 p.m.: After a motor vehicle stop on the southbound side of Route 128, a written warning was issued.

    12:09 p.m.: A report was made about lost and found property at a School Street address

    9:05 a.m.: A motor vehicle crash was reported on Summer Street.

    7:05 a.m.: Community policing was conducted in the school zone.

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