The City Council unanimously confirmed two key appointments Thursday night and approved more than $1.4 million in public funding for housing, parks, and transportation improvements, while also pausing a contentious zoning proposal that has drawn repeated continuances.
The meeting opened with a moment of silence led by Mayor Edward Bettencourt in memory of Richard C. Shruhan, a decorated U.S. Army veteran and longtime member of the Peabody Library Board of Trustees, who died on April 26 at age 70.
“He was a true family man, a dedicated public servant, and someone who genuinely cared for this community,” Bettencourt said, noting Shruhan’s 18 years of service on the library board and his distinguished military career, which included a Meritorious Service Medal and the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2.
The council then voted 11–0 to appoint longtime city planner Stacy Bernson as Assistant Director of Community Development and Planning. The role consolidates two formerly separate positions following Brendan Callahan’s departure. Bettencourt praised Burnson’s nearly 30-year tenure and deep institutional knowledge.
“I’ve worked with Stacy for 10 years — she knows every board and every aspect of that department,” said Councilor Gamache. “This is a great move for the city.”
The council also confirmed Dagmar Whittaker as the city’s new Director of Human Resources, replacing former HR director Beth O’Donnell. Whittaker most recently held the same position at Harvard University and previously worked in higher education HR in both the U.S. and Europe.
“I think of HR as something bigger than policies and procedures,” Whittaker told councilors. “It’s really about culture-shaping and bringing out the best in people.”
Later in the meeting, councilors approved $958,000 in Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding to support the development of 46 senior rental units on Endicott Street. The affordable housing project replaces a previously approved 40B plan and leverages an estimated $30 million in total investment.
Additional CPA approvals included $250,000 for new playground equipment at Ross Park, expected to be installed around July 4 and $200,000 for open space account adjustments to ensure the park project is properly funded. Councilors also allocated $75,848 from the state rideshare trust fund for Peabody’s multi-use path network.
In zoning matters, Councilor Ryan Melville requested — and the council approved — a further continuance to June 12 for a proposed zoning amendment at 143 Lynnfield Street that would create a new “General Business 2” district. Ward 5 Councilor Tom Welton expressed frustration at repeated delays.
“If they can’t figure this out by June 12, I believe it should be withdrawn,” Welton said, citing the repeated burden on nearby residents.
Other votes included a co-sponsored request from Councilors Turco and Welton for a legal opinion on whether the Lynnfield Street zoning change requires a simple or supermajority vote and the referral of a proposed pay increase for poll workers to the Finance Committee.
Under new business, Councilor Stephanie Peach announced plans for Ward 3’s annual Independence Day celebration at Connolly Park and asked for volunteers, noting that she’ll be attending with a 2-month-old infant.
The meeting concluded with news from Councilor Anne Manning-Martin that the state will now end the use of emergency shelter hotels — including Peabody’s Holiday Inn — on June 30, six months earlier than expected. According to a notice shared by the nonprofit Centerboard, 71 families, including 131 children, are currently housed at the Holiday Inn and will be transitioned into permanent housing or scattered-site shelters.
The matter was referred to the Municipal Safety Committee for continued oversight.
