City Council Meeting

The Council meeting opened with roll call and brief announcements, including a moment of silence for former Mayor Nick Costello. The primary substantive item was a public hearing on Ordinance 2024-096, proposing amendments to expand where solar facilities are allowed within the Renewable Energy Development Overlay District (REDD). Presenters included the Planning Director and OCED Director; members of local lake associations and residents stressed protection of water resources and thanked staff for revisions. After discussion about posting and legal prudence, the Council voted unanimously to continue the hearing to the April 22 meeting and asked that the redline and recommendation be republished for public review.

The Council also acted on a series of appointments, budget transfers, and grant acceptances. Reappointment of Amy Vander Els (2025-035) and appointment of Bonnie Brady (2025-036) to the Amesbury Cultural Council were approved unanimously. The Council approved the monthly license list. Financial actions approved included a $65,000 transfer from police personal services to police other expenses (2025-030), acceptance of a $15,000 MIIA wellness grant for the Police Department (2025-031), a $30,000 transfer from the FY25 Budget Reserve to Legal Consultant Services (2025-032), and acceptance of a $9,020 MEMA grant for Emergency Management (2025-033). Public comment included a resident raising concerns about elected officials' social media use and potential illegal fences in the city.