The Monthly Motif

As we move into June, another school year is drawing to a close. Our public schools will be ending classes later this month, and before long summer will be upon us. For residents and visitors alike, this is one of the most beautiful times of the year in Rockport as we prepare to enjoy all that our community has to offer.

Looking ahead, several of Rockport's most cherished traditions will take place on Independence Day, listed below. As always, we expect many visitors throughout the holiday weekend. Rockport has long been known for its quintessential New England Fourth of July celebration, and we are proud to share this special tradition with family, friends, neighbors, and guests from near and far.

As the days grow longer and summer officially arrives, we want to wish everyone a safe, enjoyable, and healthy season. Whether you spend time at the beaches, attend community events, support local businesses, or simply enjoy the beauty of Rockport, we hope you take full advantage of everything that makes this town such a special place to live and visit.

This month's newsletter is packed with important information. We hope that you find this helpful and engaging.

We wish you and your family a wonderful summer.

Paul F. Murphy

Select Board Chair

Mitchell R. Vieira

Town Administrator

The seasonal flyer is available on the shuttle webpage here.

Friday, June 19th

Friday, July 3rd (Public Library Open; Closed on July 4)

Sunday, June 14th - 9AM - Parade steps off from Central Fire Station on Broadway and proceeds to Beech Grove Cemetery where a remembrance ceremony will take place at the Fireman's Memorial. Residents are encouraged to attend the ceremony to honor those members of the Fire Department that have passed away.

• Closed Friday, June 19
  
• Closed Saturday, July 4
  
• Open Friday, July 3 -- normal hours; Open Sunday, July 5 - normal hours
  
• Closed Monday and Thursday as usual
  
• Reminder: Haz Mat day is July 11, 2026 sign up online

10:00 am - Reading of the Declaration of Independence at Dock Square, sponsored by the Rockport Rotary Club

6:00 pm - Firemen's Parade, starting at Jerden's Lane and ending at Back Beach

9:00 pm - Bonfire at Back Beach

Important message from the Rockport Board of Health:

As of 1:45 on June 10, 2026, Front Beach is closed to swimming due to bacteria counts that exceed acceptable levels. Swimming closures will remain in place until further notice/once testing determines that levels fall within acceptable limits. All other beaches remain open at this time.

You can visit the DPH webpage here to see when levels are within acceptable ranges for swimming.

Due to the current reservoir level, under our Water Management Act permit, the Town of Rockport has implemented the following water use restrictions:

1. Odd / Even Watering Days - Outdoor water use is limited to an Odd / Even basis. House addresses ending in odd numbers can water their gardens on calendar days that end in odd numbers, and house addresses ending in even numbers can use water on even number calendar days.
2. No non-essential water use from 9 am to 5 pm
3. Residents using well water should display a sign on their property visible to the street that indicates well water is being used. In addition, they must register their well with the Board of Health and Department of Public Works.

Questions should be directed to DPW@rockportma.gov

Rockport Music On the Town is a free, day-long celebration that fills Rockport with live music, pop-up performances, and contemporary circus. Performances unfold across town—from the Farmers' Market at Harvey Park to Bearskin Neck, Front Beach, and beyond—while the Shalin Liu Performance Center opens its doors for tours, hands-on activities, and a collage concert featuring community artists. At Millbrook Meadow, a tented performance space anchors the day with live music, a circus, and hands-on experiences for all ages.

Throughout the day, audiences can discover musicians performing across Rockport, explore musical instruments and circus activities, and enjoy featured performances that blend virtuosic musicianship with the artistry and athleticism of a contemporary circus.

“Rockport has a deep artistic identity, and On the Town is an exciting opportunity to celebrate that spirit on a community-wide scale,” said Elizabeth Stefan, Rockport Music’s Director of Education & Partnerships. “From pop-up performances throughout town to music and circus at Millbrook Meadow, the day is designed to bring people together through shared creative experiences.”

Rockport Music is currently seeking volunteers to help welcome audiences, support activities, and assist with performances throughout the day. Most volunteer shifts are 2–3 hours long.

Volunteer signup

For more information including times and locations, visit Rockport Music's Webpage or contact Julian Mendoza.

The Town is in the final stages of engaging with a replacement vendor for the CodeRED system. We anticipate having a separate notice in the next few weeks announcing the new vendor and outlining how residents can sign up, update their information, and set their contact preferences. Until that time, CodeRED remains in place and functional. Watch for a special edition of the Motif!

The Seacoast Science Center Marine Mammal Rescue (MMR) operates a 24/7 response hotline and serves as the primary responder for all reports of live (healthy, injured, or sick) and deceased seals, dolphins, porpoises, and whales that haul out or strand along the shores of New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts (Maine border, to Beverly, MA). In 2025, MMR expanded its coverage area to include the Cape Ann coastline from Essex to Beverly.

Marine Mammal Response Hotline: 603-997-9448

All marine mammals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. As part of the federally authorized Marine Mammal Stranding Network, MMR leads rescue and response efforts, conducts health assessments and triage, collaborates with necropsy laboratories to investigate mortalities, and works with rehabilitation facilities that care for and ultimately release recovered animals back into the wild.

What Should You Do If You See a Marine Mammal on the Beach? Whether the animal is alive or deceased, please follow these important guidelines:

● Stay at least 150 feet away and observe quietly.

● Keep dogs and other pets away from the animal.

● Do not pour water on the animal.

● Do not offer food or water.

● Do not cover the animal with a towel, blanket, or other materials.

● Do not attempt to move the animal.

● Call the Marine Mammal Response Hotline at 603-997-9448 and report the animal's location, size, coloring, and behavior.

As we head into the summer months, MMR is also responding to an increase in harbor seal pup sightings. Harbor seals typically give birth between late April and June, making spring and summer the most common times to encounter young seals on local beaches. During this critical stage of development, mother seals often leave their pups resting on shore while they forage for food. Although the pup may appear alone, its mother is usually nearby. If the mother perceives a threat, such as people or dogs approaching her pup, she may abandon the area and not return.

Because dependent seal pups cannot survive on their own, beachgoers must give them plenty of space and avoid any interaction. We encourage everyone to save this number in their phone now so you'll be prepared if you encounter a marine mammal this summer. Your call can make a critical difference in protecting these remarkable animals.

Seacoast Science Center must raise funds to operate the Marine Mammal Rescue program and be equipped to respond to not only a predicted average of cases (approx. 110-120 per year), but also emergency situations. SSC relies on support from local businesses and community members to meet its annual operating budget. Click here to learn more: https://www.seacoastsciencecenter.org/

Visit Seacoast Science Center’s Marine Mammal Rescue page to learn more about the program and to donate. Keep up to date with MMR’s work at www.facebook.com/nhmarinemammalrescue and learn more about MMR’s response and rescue efforts at SSC’s Marine Mammal Rescue exhibit.

Water Tiers and Rates

Fixed Charges by Meter Size (Quarterly)

5/8" $43.86

3/4" $64.50

1" $108.36

1.5" $215.43

2" $344.43

Plus Tiered Consumption Rate (per 1,000 gallons)

0-10,000 gallons $14.90

>10,000 gallons $29.80

Irrigation $29.80

Sewer Tiers and Rates

Fixed Charges by Meter Size (Quarterly)

5/8" $52.07

3/4" $77.47

1" $128.27

1.5" $256.54

2" $410.21

Plus Tiered Consumption Rate (per 1,000 gallons)

0-10,000 gallons $17.95

>10,000 gallons $35.89

Long Beach Tiered Consumption Rate (per 1,000 gallons)

0-10,000 gallons $19.56

>10,000 gallons $39.12

Q: How is the water (or sewer) rate decided?

A: Water and sewer rates are established by calculating the total cost of providing service, including operations, maintenance, regulatory compliance, debt service, and capital improvements, and dividing those costs across projected system usage.

Q: How much will my bill go up?

A: For a typical Rockport residential customer using approximately 15,000 gallons per quarter, the combined increase is estimated at $67 per month, or $809 annually. This benchmark usage is typical for a family of four in Rockport.

Q: How much water does a person use?

A: Average daily water use for Massachusetts is approximately 50 – 65 gallons of water per person per day.

Q: Why did the rate go up so much this year?

A: The primary driver of these increases is growth in debt service associated with major infrastructure investments that were approved by Town Meeting over the last two years, along with ongoing operating and regulatory costs. Water and wastewater systems are capital-intensive utilities that require continual investment to maintain reliability, meet state and federal requirements, and replace aging infrastructure. Although the Town continues to encourage water conservation, especially in times of drought, decreases in water usage also necessitates the need to increase rates to avoid revenue decreases.

Q: What are you doing to keep rates from continuing to rise?

A: The Town continuously applies for grants to offset ratepayer impact of large capital projects. The most recent of these was an application to the Community One Stop for Growth for $2.5 million to conduct Infiltration and Inflow (I/I) remediation in the sewer system. The Town is hopeful to get this grant. Additionally, the investments being made now will last well into the future, reducing the long term costs of maintenance of the system.

Q: Why can't the general fund (tax rate) support this instead?

A: The Water and Sewer systems are run as Enterprise Funds.

Q: What is an Enterprise Fund?

A: An Enterprise Fund is a separate accounting and reporting structure where a fee is charged in exchange for goods and services. In Rockport's case, the Water Enterprise Fund and the Sewer Enterprise Fund operate as distinct accounts where the users of each system support the operation and maintenance of the utility through the fees collected. This prevents additional burden on non-users and isolate the impact of infrastructure investments on those that benefit from them.

Q: Are we the only ones seeing these increases?

A: No, all Northshore municipalities are making or planning to make similar infrastructure investments and seeing rate impacts of the same or larger size as a result.

Recording of the Water/Sewer Rate Hearing - June 3, 2026

Presentation from Water/Sewer Rate Hearing

National Grid has proposed upgrading the Town's existing lights to new LED's. The options available are 3000K and 4000K with the lights being selected to match the current light levels. An example of each has been installed near Town Hall for you to see in the context of Rockport's Downtown. Please complete the poll below to let the Town know your preference. The results will assist the Select Board in making a determination on how to move forward. If you do not prefer either replacement option, please select 'Neither' as your vote.

Pole Number 310

Pole Number 311

Hazardous waste is not accepted at the Rockport Transfer Station. Rockport will host a hazardous waste collection event on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Sign up in advance here: Required - Sign up here in advance.

Dispose of food waste in the designated compost pile located near the ATTENTION COMPOST sign, on the lower level of the Transfer Station.

To collect waste, store food scraps in a closed lid container or zippered bag at home, place it where it will be most convenient for you (countertop, near your trash and recycling bin, or even in the freezer!) Make sure it is easy to carry. Once you are back at home, rinse your container to keep it clean and odor free, throw in a bit of baking soda at the bottom to freshen it up when needed, and repeat!

The Public Works Commissioners adopted changes to their fee schedule and Transfer Station Regulations which went into effect April 1, 2026. This included adding three dedicated waste streams. Please refer to the Brush & Yard Waste Guide below, which outlines the new regulations.

They're here!

The 2026 Annual Street Listing (also known as the "Nosy Book") is now available for sale at the Town Clerk's Office. The cost is $10 cash or check payable to the Town of Rockport.

If you did not answer the Towns Annual Street Listing "Census" your voting status has been made "inactive" per MGL Ch. 51 § 4 and you have been mailed a confirmation card.

Please complete the confirmation card, sign and return as soon as possible. As always, if you have any questions call the Town Clerk's office: 978-546-6894

Have you heard about SeeClickFix? This new tool will allow you to submit, track, and follow up on any and all of your citizen requests. Notice a new pothole? Just snap a photo, drop a pin on the location, and the request will instantly be transmitted to the DPW. Don't worry, a phone call will still work, but this tool will allow you to track all the requests you've submitted in one place and allow the Town to communicate updates, timelines, and information, all in one place. Check out this video about how to get started.

Signing up for SeeClickFix ------ New requests from the Portal ----- New requests from the App

CATA On Demand is a public, on-demand transit service; it's a mini-bus that comes when you want, where you want! Simply provide your desired pickup and drop off locations, and CATA will give you a few ride options to choose from on their route. The cost is just $2 per trip. The service hours are Monday-Friday between 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM; closed on federal and state holidays. To download the app and set up an account, please visit the CATA On Demand webpage at the following link:

CATA On Demand

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General Town Hall Offices: 978-546-5000

Emergency (Police, Fire, EMS): 911

Town Website: www.rockportma.gov

Departmental Emails:

Select Board & Town Administrator: TA@rockportma.gov

Town Clerk: TownClerk@rockportma.gov

Department of Public Works: DPW@rockportma.gov