Meetings

OCT 27, '25

Continued public hearings on the Rocky Hill Development (major mixed‑use proposal), National Grid substation upgrade at 9 Alenclair Dr., subdivision/duplex at 102 Kimball Rd., and a single‑family proposal at 6 Lake Attitash Way; the Board also approved signage for 23 Main St. (Main Street Marketplace) and 5 Market St. (Needham Bank).

OCT 27, '25

Agenda includes an informational briefing on the district budget override ("Override FYI"), a review/final-draft discussion of the Amesbury Middle School Improvement Plan, and a presentation on the MEFA Pathway college-planning program.

OCT 23, '25

The Zoning Board approved a special permit for an addition at 17 Fourth St; approved setback variances for a new house at 6 Lake Attitash Way (contingent on Planning/Conservation approvals); approved a special permit to convert a basement to an in-law unit at 4 Brielle Way; and approved a variance to place a temporary mobile electrical substation at 0 and 14 Mill St (contingent on Planning/Conservation approvals).

OCT 23, '25

Agenda includes a NEASC decennial visit update, discussion of a GPA change communication plan, a session on AI and Responsible Use policy, and preparatory work for the Program of Studies.

OCT 23, '25

Joint Planning Board and Conservation Commission site visit to the Rocky Hill Development at 265R Elm St, 277R Elm St, 281 Elm St, 287 Elm St, 287R Elm St, and 287.5 Elm St (meet on the sidewalk in front of 287–287.5 Elm St) on Oct 23, 2025 at 1:00 pm.

OCT 23, '25

Amesbury Housing Authority presented detailed capital and accessibility needs across its properties — including major window replacement at Heritage Towers (~$1M), exterior envelope work at Macy Terrace (four buildings ~$700k; 12 more buildings remain), a proposed fenced playground at Macy (~$70k), ADA conversion opportunities, and ongoing renovations of 30 Pow Wow Villa units. The presentation outlined funding sources (rents, state formula and capital funds, bond/grant awards), long waiting lists for public housing, and limits on what state/federal funds will cover.

OCT 22, '25

Planning & Development Committee considers Ordinance 2025-113 to amend the City of Amesbury Traffic and Parking Regulations: rename and revise Schedule 1 parking designations for municipal lots and add penalties/fees for residential and commercial parking permit violations (Mayor sponsor).

OCT 22, '25

Library Finance sub-committee discussed Council Order 2025-089 (a proposed $6M operating override) and confirmed the Board's signed letter was mailed to the Mayor; reviewed FY27 library budget scenarios including possible staffing or hours reductions if level-funded; and reviewed proceeds from sale of 5 School St and 9 School St and planned FY27 capital requests (including a ramp and updated gutter cost estimate $250k–$300k).

OCT 22, '25

Chair reported a proposal to run an invasive-plant demonstration project at Woodsom Farm (draft to be submitted to the Mayor’s Office); DPW cleared and will mow the upper Whitehall Road fields on an every-other-year basis. The committee unanimously approved the re-appointment of Michelle Faucher to the Community Preservation Committee.

OCT 22, '25

Board accepted the school's audited/annual financials and reviewed strong 2025 MCAS results showing pre‑pandemic scoring, high growth in ELA and Math, and performance above state levels across subjects.

OCT 22, '25

Amesbury Housing Authority presented capital needs including an estimated $1 million window replacement at Heritage Towers, required upgrades at Macy Street Terrace (units and playground), and converting a vacant unit at Heritage Vale to ADA compliance; staff said routine maintenance/repairs do not qualify for CPA funding.

OCT 21, '25

The Budget & Finance Committee agenda includes a FY26 budget-balancing appropriation (Order 2025-104), acceptance of two public-safety grants (2025-108 Edward J. Byrne JAG and 2025-109 Municipal Road Safety), and four proposed ordinances: 2025-110 (new Chapter 230 Buildings, Permitting and fee schedule), 2025-111 (City Clerk fee schedule), 2025-112 (Solid Waste ordinance adding dumpster delivery/emptying), and 2025-113 (Traffic & Parking Schedule I permit/restricted parking and related fines).

OCT 21, '25

The agenda includes sign reviews, continued consideration of the Rocky Hill Development (MFOD) application, and an internal design review for 5 Market St. (Needham Bank).

OCT 21, '25

Approved the annual appeal final draft and agreed to request $750 from the Charitable Trust to cover mailing supplies (Friends to cover the remaining ~ $250); mailing will be printed by the Amesbury Chamber and sent the week of Thanksgiving.

OCT 20, '25

School Committee workshop to establish district-wide goals for the Amesbury Public Schools (Goal Setting).

OCT 20, '25

Ordinance reviews: 2025-110 to create Chapter 230 (Buildings, Permitting) and adopt a fee schedule; 2025-111 to amend the City Clerk fee schedule; 2025-112 to amend the Solid Waste Ordinance to add rules on delivery/emptying of dumpsters; and 2025-113 to revise Schedule 1 Parking (permit/restricted status) and update penalties/fees for parking permit violations.

OCT 20, '25

The Committee will appoint a Superintendent Search Liaison and vote to approve the Superintendent Search Timeline. The meeting also includes reports from standing subcommittees (Finance & Facilities; Curriculum & Inclusion; Policy & Personnel; Long Range Planning; Joint Ed).

OCT 20, '25

Agenda covers review of Poet Laureate program finances including possible additional funds for featured poets; a report from incumbent Poet Laureate Lisa Usani Phillips; and planning the Poet Laureate application and search (marketing, interview scheduling/format, contingency for few applicants) plus reserving a space for the inauguration and reception.

OCT 20, '25

Approved a Notice of Intent for a project on Main St with a condition that work be completed in the dry per the applicant's work plan. Continued the National Grid temporary power station proposal for 0 & 14 Mill St to the November meeting for peer-review selection and review of revised stormwater/geotechnical materials.

OCT 19, '25

Continued planning for development of a school endowment fund and continued planning for sale of Performance Center plaques.