Meetings

FEB 9, '26

Board approved a sign for MacDaddies at 36 Main St. and reviewed preapplication plans for a large Historic Preservation Special Permit at 230 Main St. (proposal to preserve a 1745 house within a new multi-building 68‑unit development); the Board also heard historic-preservation preapplications for 2 Elmwood St. and 19 Prospect St.

FEB 9, '26

Committee will consider appointing leadership, review current finances and recent/planned Poet Laureate activities, and finalize plans for the new Poet Laureate inauguration/reception. Members will also review Support Guidelines to reflect involvement with the Whittier Home and address any other unanticipated matters.

FEB 7, '26

City Council will review the FY26 budget and begin FY27 budget planning, including revenue and expense estimates, and discuss the overall budget process and timeline.

FEB 5, '26

Public hearings and determinations on historic preservation matters including full demolition permit review for 234 Main Street and 5 School, and Historic Preservation Special Permit (HPSP) eligibility/reviews for 230 Main Street, 2-4 Elmwood, 9 School, 14 Maple, and a project application for 13 School Street.

FEB 5, '26

The subcommittee will review an updated proposal for use of the Cultural Center, including cleaning options (schedule, adhoc needs, vendors and costs) and discuss fees for renting the Gallery Unit.

FEB 5, '26

Pre-application review of a proposed two-building, 126-unit development at 28 Haverhill Rd (20% affordable) with key traffic, wetland, and utility issues; preapplication reviews for subdivision/new house at 2 Elmwood St; and a proposal for a renovated two-family plus a new three-unit building at 19 Prospect St. 230 Main St. was postponed to 2/19/26.

FEB 4, '26

Committee set the full board agenda to include votes on the trustee officer slate, retention of attorney Marc Terry (transition to Stoneman, Chandler & Miller), updated bylaws/policies (behavioral/whistleblower/complaint), and a Human Power Solutions/HR-vendor recommendation.

FEB 4, '26

Committee reviewed updated bylaws aligned to DESE guidance and agreed to time final approval with new whistle‑blower and complaint policies; the committee also planned a board retreat with anonymous 30‑minute interviews for an external audit and voted to create a board education subcommittee. The meeting included a formal review of trustee removal procedure and Open Meeting Law requirements.

FEB 3, '26

Design Review Committee will consider a sign application for 36 Main Street and review new development applications including preapplications for 19 Prospect Street and 2 Elmwood Street, and site plan/special permit reviews for 14 Maple Street and 5 & 13 School Street.

FEB 3, '26

Committee reviewed River Valley Charter School fundraising and development activities including the Annual Fund status, plans to pursue charitable foundation applications, and the Read-A-Thon fundraising progress (as of Day 2: $10,417 raised). The committee also discussed potential staffing for development (part-time grant-writing support or a development director) and upcoming community events including a new-family event and a donor reception for gifts over $500.

FEB 3, '26

The Board will review and sign excise and tax-related documents including the 2026 boat excise commitment book, motor vehicle excise tax abatements (Jan 2026), 2026 sewer warrants, and PILOT warrants for Kearsage Amesbury LLC and Amesbury Housing Authority. The board will also review approved exemption packets and a tax deferral certificate.

FEB 3, '26

Discussion of the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget for the Amesbury Public Library.

FEB 3, '26

Discussion of the School Improvement Plan and the school's renewal process (including requested autonomies) are the main substantive items. Staff will also provide updates on SSU field trip, Trade/College Fair, budget, site visit, and building matters.

FEB 2, '26

The commission approved the Notice of Intent for 27.5-9 Clarks Road with special conditions addressing stormwater and construction monitoring, authorized peer reviews for 27 Kimball Road (Weston & Sampson) and 28 Haverhill Road, issued a Certificate of Compliance for 4 Pleasant Valley Road, and approved a minor modification for 0 and 14 Mill Road.

FEB 2, '26

School Council will receive an update on the superintendent search and review the final draft of the AMS School Improvement Plan (to be presented to the School Committee on Feb 9). The council will also strategize planning for family/parent educational videos for the AMS website.

JAN 30, '26

Interviews with finalists for Amesbury Superintendent: Ellen Kaschuluk (4:00–6:00 PM) and Thomas Ambrose (6:30–8:30 PM).

JAN 29, '26

Planning Board approved the site plan decision for the 146‑unit 27.5–29 Clarks Road development (with conditions), approved the site plan and Historic Preservation Special Permit for 45 Main St. with waivers and conditions, and authorized a letter asking the Mayor to use 40R funds for crosswalks and sidewalks on Clarks Road; several other hearings (14 Maple St., 5 & 13 School St., Rocky Hill, 29 Lake Attitash) were continued.

JAN 29, '26

Interviews with finalists for the Amesbury Superintendent position: Elizabeth Legault (4:00–6:00 PM) and Stephen Zadravec (6:30–8:30 PM).

JAN 29, '26

Meeting will address updates to the Draft School Improvement Plan, review the Family School Climate and Culture Survey, and provide updates on Playful Learning and Investigating History grants.

JAN 28, '26

Discussion of an invasives demonstration project at Woodsom Farm and next steps; update on the 2020–2027 Open Space and Recreation Plan (conditional response); and a Community Preservation Committee update with discussion on coordination and oversight with community groups.