Meetings

NOV 26, '24

Council approved disposal of portions of 9 School St and 5 School St (2024-133) with an amendment limiting surplussed parking to eight spaces; enacted multiple Traffic & Parking ordinance changes (2024-140, 2024-141, 2024-142, 2024-143, 2024-148); and approved the combined tax-classification package (2024-138). A public hearing was held on the proposed acquisition and appropriation for 5 Market St (2024-149).

NOV 25, '24

The Board approved a design sign for River Run Lending at 43 Main St., approved a subdivision modification for 87 South Hampton Rd preserving open pasture and equestrian structures, and converted the 14 S Hunt Rd. erosion surety to a performance bond (held for two growing seasons). The Board also sent positive recommendations to City Council on Bills 2024-144/145/146 (Colonial Drive and Parcel X/open space acceptance) and on Bill 2024-149 (appropriation/borrowing for 5 Market St.), and approved an ordinance amendment to the Subdivision Rules and Regulations (2024-113) to meet EPA/MS4 stormwater requirements.

NOV 21, '24

Discussion of the recent Fall STEM Festival with a debrief of outcomes and planning takeaways; review of the draft School Improvement Plan.

NOV 20, '24

TRC drafted a framework for an Outdoor Dining ordinance — agreeing on application and usage fees, abutter notice (not consent), safety/ADA requirements, and an application deadline — and discussed close-out requirements and a targeted partial CO schedule for 14S Hunt Rd. (Munters).

NOV 19, '24

Committee recommended approval of the FY25 annual tax classification (2024-138) and an increase in exemption amounts (2024-139); recommended a $1,800 transfer for Veterans Services (2024-147); and recommended the mayor be authorized to acquire 5 Market St with a $3,150,000 appropriation (2024-149).

NOV 14, '24

Contract signed to install railings at the Costello Center; consideration of relocating the 2025 Health Fair to Coastal Connections' new site behind the Post Office; Holiday Luncheon set for Dec. 11 (Toys for Tots drive, tickets $10 members/$15 non-members).

NOV 12, '24

Council appointed Amanda Haggstrom to fill the District 3 council seat (2024-121), accepted resignations creating vacancies on the Library Board (2024-134) and Planning Board (2024-135), referred the annual tax classification order (2024-138) and related exemption order (2024-139) to Budget & Finance, and referred a late-filed order to acquire 5 Market St. for City Hall with a $3,150,000 appropriation (2024-149) to multiple committees and set a public hearing.

NOV 7, '24

The commission voted to preferably preserve the principal house at 230 Main St (excluding the detached rear garage), recognized 80 Haverhill Rd as historically significant to enable a Historic Preservation Special Permit, and endorsed Bill 2024-133 to surplus 5 School St and 9 School St for future sale and restoration.

NOV 4, '24

The Conservation Commission issued Certificates of Compliance for 193 Lionsmouth Rd (NOI 002-1260) and 62 Lake Attitash Rd (NOI 002-341), ratified an emergency tree work certification at 118 Pleasant Valley Rd, and appointed Robert Manseau as the Commission’s representative to the Community Preservation Committee.

OCT 30, '24

Committee will review the Woodsman-prepared Trails Assessment report for the City of Amesbury and prioritize action steps for trail improvements; the Battis / Powow Hill report is noted as in progress.

OCT 29, '24

The board will review and sign motor vehicle excise tax abatements and uncollectable excise tax records, and consider the Fifth Motor Vehicle Commitment Book of 2024. The agenda also includes discussion of release of Chapter land, real estate tax exemption applications, and a 3ABC application.

OCT 29, '24

Discussion of proposed surplus and redevelopment of the Bailey/Ordway properties at 5 and 9 School St. — including splitting the 5 School St. lot, transferring rear parking to the library, restoring the Ordway building to a mid‑19th century appearance, and potential for up to eight housing units and eight parking spaces — and briefings on traffic/parking ordinance updates and an Outdoor Dining Ordinance planned for the 2025 season.

OCT 28, '24

Planning Board approved an ADU special permit for 35A Pleasant Valley Rd, an ANR for 228 Elm St, and sign permits for Munters (14 S Hunt Rd) and the Quinn House (53 Friend St); the Board gave a positive recommendation on City Council Bill 2024-133 to surplus Ordway and Orlando-Bailey properties conditioned on historic preservation review and library-directed proceeds, appointed Joel Nice as the Planning Board representative to the Community Preservation Committee, and accepted a Marina erosion-control bond.

OCT 24, '24

Discussion and planning for the Cashman School Halloween/Fall Celebration are on the agenda.

OCT 22, '24

Public hearing held on Ordinance 2024-099 (Cannabis Retail License Limits) and discussion of Ordinance 2024-132 (licensing adult cannabis retailers); Council approved budget transfers (2024-125, 2024-126), accepted multiple grants (2024-128 through 2024-131), and referred disposition of 9 School St. and 5 School St. (2024-133) to multiple boards and set a follow-up hearing.

OCT 21, '24

The Subcommittee recommended two cannabis-related ordinances to the full City Council: 2024-099 (Cannabis Retail License Limits) and 2024-132 (amendments to Chapter 334 to license adult cannabis retailers in the Retail Marijuana Overlay District); 2024-132 was returned with specified edits.

OCT 16, '24

Ordinance 2024-096 (expand the Renewable Energy Development Overlay District) was continued to Nov. 20; Ordinance 2024-099 (Cannabis Retail License Limits) was returned to the full City Council with a positive recommendation.

OCT 16, '24

Discussion on implementing Bill 2021-107 (Means‑Tested Senior Citizen Rental Assistance Program) was continued for further data and an application draft; the Trust nominated Andrew LeFleur as its representative to the Community Preservation Committee (appointment voted 4-0). The Trust also received a CDBG update noting six pending unit sales at 130 Market St expected to generate about $60,000.

OCT 10, '24

Board discussed using PHE grant funds to explore hiring a full‑time municipal mental‑health clinician and asked staff to work with HR and the Mayor to present options at a future meeting.

OCT 10, '24

Discussion of Age Friendly Task Force initiatives, updates on the Costello Center, and planned fall/winter programming for seniors.