City Council · March 10, 2026 · 7:00 PM
City Council Meeting
Council approved a reduced Free Cash appropriation (2026-029) of $55,000 and confirmed three appointments to local authorities (2026-062; 2026-063; 2026-064, with a residency waiver). The council also referred a proposed amendment to Accessory Dwelling Unit rules (2026-068) to the Ordinance & Administration Committee and the Planning Board, scheduling a public hearing for April 14, 2026.
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Key decisions
Reappointed Lyndsey Haight to Amesbury Housing Authority for a term to expire December 31, 2028.
Reappointed Ralph Noon to Amesbury Housing Authority for a term to expire December 31, 2029.
Waived the residency provision of Section 9-5 Subset A of the city charter for an appointment (vote to waive residency requirement).
Reappointed Thomas Champion to the Trustees of War Memorials for a term to expire February 28, 2029 (following waiver of residency requirement).
Approved the March monthly list of licenses.
Accepted An Order to appropriate from Free Cash (2026-029) amended to $55,000 (reduced from $100,000).
Referred 2026-065 (FY26 legislative earmark grant for pocket park improvements) to the Budget & Finance Committee with a second reading scheduled.
Referred 2026-066 (transfers from Budget Reserve to Revaluation Services and Legal Services) to the Budget & Finance Committee with a second reading scheduled.
Referred 2026-067 (MIIA wellness grant acceptance) to the Budget & Finance Committee with a second reading scheduled.
Referred 2026-068 (proposed amendment to Accessory Dwelling Unit provisions, Section XI.K.3) to the Ordinance & Administration Committee and the Planning Board with a second reading and public hearing scheduled for April 14, 2026.
Agenda
Mayoral Appointments
2026-062. 2026-062 Reappointment of Lyndsey Haight
Reappointment of Lyndsey Haight to the Amesbury Housing Authority for a term expiring December 31, 2028.
Mayoral Appointments
2026-063. 2026-063 Reappointment of Ralph Noon
Reappointment of Ralph Noon to the Amesbury Housing Authority for a term expiring December 31, 2029.
Mayoral Appointments
2026-064. 2026-064 Reappointment of Thomas Champion
Reappointment of Thomas Champion to the Trustees of the War Memorials for a term expiring February 28, 2029.
Licenses
6. Monthly list of licenses 1 March
Presentation of the monthly list of licenses for March.
Second Readings
2026-008. 2026-008 An Order to adopt Rules and Procedures
Order to adopt Rules and Procedures for the Fifteenth Session of the Amesbury City Council.
Second Readings
2026-029. 2026-029 An Order to appropriate $100,000 from Free Cash
Order to appropriate $100,000 from Free Cash to cover supplemental and incidental items following the move into the new City Hall at One Market Street.
First Readings
2026-065. 2026-065 An Order to accept and expend FY26 Legislative Earmark Grant ($20,000)
Order to authorize the Mayor to accept and expend a FY26 legislative earmark grant of $20,000 for maintenance and improvements to a pocket park, to be coordinated with the developer of 18 Friend Street.
First Readings
2026-066. 2026-066 An Order to authorize transfers from the Budget Reserve
Order to authorize transfers from the Budget Reserve account of $35,000 to Revaluation Services and $40,000 to Legal Consultant Services to support revaluation work and collective bargaining/legal needs.
First Readings
2026-067. 2026-067 An Order to accept and expend MIIA Wellness Public Safety Grant
Order to authorize the Mayor to accept and expend a Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association Wellness Public Safety Grant of $14,858 to support health and wellness screenings and education for the Fire Department.
First Readings
2026-068. 2026-068 An Order to amend the Zoning Ordinance (Accessory Dwelling Units)
Order to amend the Amesbury Zoning Ordinance by repealing and replacing Section XI.K.3 (Accessory Dwelling Units) to comply with state law (Chapter 150 of the Acts of 2024 and 760 CMR 71.00), including changes to size limits, eligibility, owner-occupancy, design/dimensional standards, and waiver provisions.