City Council · September 15, 2026 · 6:00 PM
City Council Standing Committee of the Whole Meeting
Councilors continued debate on an ordinance to formalize City Clerk compensation and review procedures, and the Committee recommended approval of: 1) Bill 2026-129 to accept MGL c.140 §139C waiving dog-license fees for residents 70+, 2) Bill 2026-130 to accept a $25,000 FY27 grant to modernize the Costello Center kitchen for Council on Aging services, and 3) Bill 2026-133 to appropriate $30,000 from the Smart Growth Stabilization Fund for pilot traffic-calming measures.
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Key decisions
Committee recommended a positive vote on accepting MGL Chapter 140, §139C to waive annual individual dog license fees for residents age 70 and older (Bill 2026-129).
Committee recommended a positive vote to authorize the Mayor to accept and expend a $25,000 FY27 Field Demonstration Project grant for Council on Aging kitchen modernization (Bill 2026-130).
Committee recommended a positive vote to appropriate $30,000 from the Smart Growth Stabilization Fund for traffic-calming tools and temporary measures in residential areas (Bill 2026-133).
Agenda
Topics for Discussion
2026-128. 2026-128 City Clerk Salary Ordinance
Ordinance to establish a clear and consistent process by which the City Council exercises its authority under the City Charter over the compensation and annual review of the City Clerk (appointed by the Council and serving as Clerk to the City Council).
Topics for Discussion
2026-129. 2026-129 An Order to accept the provisions of M.G.L. c. 140 sec. 139
Order to accept M.G.L. c.140 §139(c), allowing the city to waive individual dog license fees for residents aged 70 and older while maintaining licensing and vaccination requirements; waiver would not apply to late fees or kennel licenses.
Topics for Discussion
2026-130. 2026-130 An Order to authorize the Mayor to accept and expend a grant of $25,000.00 through the FY27 Field Demonstration Project.
Order to authorize the Mayor to accept and expend a $25,000 FY27 Field Demonstration Program grant awarded to the Amesbury Council on Aging to modernize the Costello Center kitchen and improve nutrition services, accessibility, safety, and programming for older adults.
Topics for Discussion
2026-131. 2026-131 An Order to approve payment from the FY27 general fund operating budget for the below listed prior year invoices
Order requesting payment from the FY27 general fund operating budget for listed prior year invoices for operating expenses that were not encumbered at fiscal year-end, in accordance with M.G.L. c.44 s.64 (vote requires two-thirds approval).
Topics for Discussion
2026-133. 2026-133 An Order to appropriate $30,000 from the Smart Growth Stabilization Fund to fund traffic calming methods in densely populate residential neighborhoods
Order to appropriate $30,000 from the Smart Growth Stabilization Fund to implement traffic calming tools and methods (e.g., speed radar feedback signs, center line signs, temporary speed humps) in densely populated residential neighborhoods.