City Council · July 22, 2025 · 7:00 PM
City Council Meeting
Council approved purchase of 128 Kimball Road for water-supply protection (2025-072) and accepted a $122,661 Drinking Water Supply Protection grant (2025-073); approved an appropriation for temporary repairs on private ways (2025-081); accepted an easement at 12 Elizabeth Street (2025-053); adopted an ordinance establishing a crosswalk at Merrimack River Condominiums (2025-074); and referred disposal and rezoning proposals for 24 South Hampton Road (2025-082, 2025-083) to multiple committees with hearings set for Sept. 23.
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Key decisions
Approve Order to transfer $5,000 from Streets and Sidewalks Stabilization Fund to Temporary Repairs on Private Ways (2025-081).
Approve acceptance of an easement at 12 Elizabeth Street (2025-053).
Approve appropriation of $211,935 to purchase land and building at 128 Kimball Road for water supply protection/conservation (2025-072).
Authorize Mayor to accept and expend a $122,661 Drinking Water Supply Protection grant toward acquisition of 128 Kimball Road (2025-073).
Discharge the Ordinance and Administration Committee and the Planning and Development Committee from obligation on the Merrimack River Condominiums crosswalk ordinance (2025-074).
Approve ordinance to establish a crosswalk at Merrimack River Condominiums with amendments to E code and general ordinances (2025-074).
Refer Order to dispose of portion of 24 South Hampton Road (former Amesbury Elementary School) to Ordinance & Administration, Planning & Development, Open Space Natural Resources & Trails, and Planning Board; set second reading/hearing for Sept 23 (2025-082).
Refer Ordinance to amend Zoning Map for two portions of 24 South Hampton Road from OSC to R-8 to the Planning Board, Planning & Development, and Ordinance & Administration; set second reading/hearing for Sept 23 (2025-083).
Approve resolution formally establishing a twinning relationship with Amesbury, Wiltshire, UK (2025-084).
Agenda
Mayoral Appointments
5. Mayoral Appointments
Consideration of mayoral appointments (personnel nominations to boards/commissions).
Second Readings
2025-053. Accept Easement — 12 Elizabeth Street
Order to accept a permanent drainage easement from the owners of 12 Elizabeth Street to construct and maintain drainage to alleviate flooding; authorizes the Mayor to execute the acceptance.
Second Readings
2025-072. Appropriate $211,935 — 128 Kimball Road Acquisition
Appropriation of $211,935 from the Receipts Reserved for Real Estate Proceeds Fund to purchase the land and building at 128 Kimball Road for water supply protection, passive recreation, and conservation; requires two-thirds Council vote.
Second Readings
2025-073. Accept/Expend DWSP Grant — 128 Kimball Road
Authorize the Mayor to accept and expend a $122,661 Drinking Water Supply Protection (DWSP) grant from EEA to offset costs of acquiring 128 Kimball Road for drinking water protection and flood control; parcel is ~8.31 acres abutting the Powwow River and within the Zone II wellhead protection area.
Second Readings
2025-074. Establish Crosswalk — Merrimack River Condominiums (near 31 Merrimack St.)
Order to establish a crosswalk at or near 31 Merrimack Street to increase pedestrian safety between Merrimack River Condominiums and their parking lot.
Second Readings
2025-081. Appropriate $5,000 — Temporary Repairs on Private Ways
Appropriate $5,000 from the Streets and Sidewalks Stabilization Fund to the Temporary Repairs on Private Ways account for temporary repairs on private ways with no betterment assessed.
First Readings
2025-082. Authorize Disposal — 24 South Hampton Road (portion) / Former Amesbury Elementary School
Authorize the Mayor to dispose of by sale or lease approximately 4 +/- acres (portion of 24 South Hampton Road, former Amesbury Elementary School) to enable redevelopment for up to 36 dwelling units and one single-family dwelling, comply with G.L. c.30B sec.16 and PUD-SP requirements; remaining land retained for municipal uses.
First Readings
2025-083. Rezoning to R-8 — 24 South Hampton Road
Ordinance to amend the Amesbury Zoning Map to rezone two portions of 24 South Hampton Road (Portion A ~4 acres; Portion B ~0.3 acres) from Open Space Conservancy (OSC) to Residential R-8.
First Readings
2025-084. Twinning Resolution — Amesbury, Wiltshire (UK)
Resolution to formally establish a twinning relationship between the City of Amesbury, MA and the Town of Amesbury, Wiltshire, United Kingdom.