City Council Meeting
Council approved Ordinance 2024-163 updating Chapter 396 Special Events fees (amended per the Mayor's recommendations), adopted revised Amesbury Energy Committee bylaws (2024-119), authorized overspending the FY25 snow & ice appropriation (2025-002), approved multiple budget transfers (2025-003, 2025-004), accepted a portion of Elm Street as a city public way (2024-164), and confirmed several mayoral appointments (2025-006, 2025-007, 2025-008).
The City Council meeting focused on a mix of ordinance actions, appointments, and budgetary transfers. The Council substituted and adopted revised bylaws for the Amesbury Energy Committee (2024-119), and considered and approved an amendment and final passage of Ordinance 2024-163 to update Chapter 396 (Special Events) with Mayor-recommended fee adjustments for specific fields and custodial/utility charges; one councilor recused on that matter. Financial items approved included an order authorizing overspending the FY2025 snow & ice appropriation (2025-002) with the DPW director explaining cost drivers including equipment rental, and transfers/appropriations from Water retained earnings and Youth Services line items (2025-003, 2025-004).
The Council also confirmed multiple mayoral appointments (Director of Inspectional Services Jim Wilson, members to the Open Space/Natural Resources & Trails Committee and the Conservation Commission), approved the monthly license list, and held a brief public hearing to rescind a prior bill and accept a portion of Elm Street as a city public way (2024-164). Public comment raised local concerns about fencing and parking as well as a request to keep a usage-fee category fee-exempt; other council communications noted school budget discussions and questions about disposition and insurance related to a building slated for demolition.