City Council · April 21, 2026 · 6:00 PM
City Council Standing Committee of the Whole Meeting
Council reviewed a proposed $50 Washington Landing boat-ramp parking permit (2026-079), moved a Highland Street no-parking ordinance (2026-081) to the full Council with a positive recommendation, referred the Recreation Department kayak/canoe/SUP fee ordinance (2026-080) to full Council with no recommendation pending answers on insurance/staffing, and recommended acceptance of a donated ice-rink equipment shed (2026-082) subject to liability/maintenance documentation.
occurred Agenda PDF Video recording AI Summary
Key decisions
2026-079 — Refer the clerk's-office fee amendment establishing a $50 Washington Landing boat ramp parking permit back to full City Council with a positive recommendation.
2026-081 — Send Ordinance to amend City traffic & parking regulations to prohibit parking on both sides of Highland Street (from Friend Street to Hillside Avenue) back to full City Council with a positive recommendation.
2026-085 — Send Order to accept and expend FY26 DFS grant for firefighter safety equipment (ropes/rescue hardware, personal accountability systems/mobile command consoles) back to full City Council with a positive recommendation.
2026-080 — Refer Ordinance adopting kayak/canoe/SUP rental fee schedule from the Recreation Department back to full City Council with no recommendation (Council requested supplemental information on fee structure, insurance, staffing and implementation costs).
2026-082 — Send Order to accept donation of an equipment shed at Town Park ice rink back to full City Council with a positive recommendation, requesting written confirmation about insurance/liability and a maintenance agreement between the city and volunteer organizers.
2026-083 — Send Order to transfer $1,000 from Building Inspection overtime to Building Inspection training account back to full City Council with a positive recommendation (red-line amendment including $315 to inspection supplies accepted).
Agenda
Discussion
2026-079. 2026-079 An Order to amend Clerk's office fee schedule - boat ramp parking permit
Amend the City Clerk fee schedule to establish the fee for the Washington Landing Public Boat Ramp parking permit, updating fees and incorporating the recently adopted parking permit system.
Discussion
2026-080. 2026-080 Ordinance to adopt kayak, canoe and SUP rental fees
Ordinance to adopt a fee schedule for renting single and tandem kayaks, canoes and stand up paddleboards (SUP) from the Amesbury Recreation Department to help fund recreational programming; fees to be periodically reviewed and updated.
Discussion
2026-081. 2026-081 Ordinance to prohibit parking on Highland Street
Ordinance to amend the Traffic and Parking Regulations (SCHEDULE 1 PARKING - PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES) to include both sides of Highland Street from Friend Street to Hillside Avenue, prohibiting parking except in designated marked spots due to safety concerns.
Discussion
2026-082. 2026-082 Order to accept donated shed at Town Park ice rink
Order to accept donation of an equipment shed at Amesbury Town Park ice rink (valued approx. $25,000–$30,000; constructed at estimated cost under $6,000) to provide storage for rink operations and related improvements.
Discussion
2026-083. 2026-083 Order to transfer funds for Building Inspection training
Authorize transfer of $1,000 from the Building Inspection Overtime account to the Building Inspection Training account to support two inspector trainings over the next several months.
Discussion
2026-084. 2026-084 Order to pay prior-year invoices from FY26 General Operating Budget – APS
Order to pay listed prior-year invoices from FY26 General Operating Budget to vendors for operating expenses related to supplies or services rendered in prior fiscal years; requires two-thirds Council approval under M.G.L. c.44 s.64.
Discussion
2026-085. 2026-085 Order to accept and expend FY26 DFS grant for firefighter safety equipment
Accept and expend a FY26 DFS grant to purchase approved firefighter safety equipment including a Personnel Accountability System/Mobile Command Console and various ropes and hardware.
Discussion
2026-086. 2026-086 Resolution to adopt Housing Production Plan 2024–2029
Resolution to adopt the City of Amesbury Housing Production Plan 2024–2029 prepared with the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission, outlining goals and strategies to expand affordable and diverse housing.