Meetings

JUN 20, '24

Approved a variance for 5 Winter St to allow setback relief for an addition expanding the kitchen and creating a work‑from‑home area.

JUN 17, '24

Subcommittee voted to forward Ordinance 2024-065 (extend R-40 zoning along Haverhill Road) and Ordinance 2024-066 (amend Amesbury Gateway Village Smart Growth Overlay District regulations and map) to the full City Council with positive recommendations.

JUN 13, '24

The Commission issued Certificates of Compliance for 212 Lions Mouth Rd (barn & paddock), 20 Pond St (new dwelling), and two actions at 54 Pleasant Valley Rd (home construction and riverbank restoration), and approved a three‑year extension to OOC 002-1288 at 5 Fifth St. Pending NOIs for 28 Birchmeadow Rd, 51 Lake Attitash Rd, Friend St., and 11–13 Newton Rd were continued and several site visits were scheduled for further review.

JUN 13, '24

Board approved staffing and program adjustments: Outreach Coordinator position posted; new van driver David Jellison hired; EMHOT clinician hours increased to 30 hrs/week. Board agreed to send a letter supporting the Merrimac Valley Planning Commission’s downtown sidewalk accessibility assessment.

JUN 12, '24

Public forum scheduled June 18 at 7:00 PM (Costello Transportation Center) on the Library Facilities Master Plan; trustees discussed the FMP process with architect Bruner/Cott and noted a FY25 Library Custodian staffing proposal submitted to the City (decision pending).

JUN 11, '24

Council adopted the FY25 operating budget (2024-001), approving a Total Appropriation of $86,598,257 and key line items including school and library funding; the council also confirmed the reappointment of KP Law, P.C. as City Attorney (2024-077).

JUN 10, '24

The Planning Board sent positive recommendations to City Council for Bill 2024-065 (R-40 zoning extension along Haverhill Road) and Bill 2024-066 (amendments to the Amesbury Gateway Village Smart Growth Overlay District). The Board also approved a minor earthwork permit modification for 12 South Hunt Rd, modified the covenant for 130 Market St to withhold final COs in lieu of a performance bond, and released the remaining performance bond for 20 Maple St.

JUN 10, '24

Discussion of trustee job description and an elevator pitch, plus a review of common questions trustees are asked. The committee will also consider other new business and miscellaneous items.

JUN 4, '24

Ad Hoc Budget Committee recommended the Mayor's FY25 operating budget order (2024-001) with adjustments including a $30,000 increase for Amesbury Public Schools and a recommended General Fund total of $79,414,528; the committee also set the proposed tax levy to be raised at $77,089,308 (with $2,355,220 from other revenues).

JUN 4, '24

The Cultural Council set Open Studios for November 9–10, 2024 and approved new fee ranges for the event (trolley sponsor $1,800–2,000; signage stops $500–750; Friend of the tour $250–300; artist fee $40–50; guest artist $60–70).

MAY 30, '24

Trustees reviewed Memorial Day activities and agreed to prioritize citywide flagpole maintenance and coordination (locations discussed include Rocky Hill Road, Friend Street, Union Cemetery, Training Field and others) and discussed care/custody and restoration needs for local war memorials, including the Civil War soldiers memorial and a rusted 75-mm cannon at Mt. Prospect.

MAY 29, '24

FY25 budget hearings and presentations for multiple city departments including Recreation, Library, Council on Aging, Veterans Services, Health/Inspectional Services (including Zoning Board of Appeals), Police (and Harbormaster), Fire, and Whittier Vocational Schools.

MAY 29, '24

Mass Audubon presented recommendations for the management and stewardship of Amesbury Town Forest and Woodsom Farm; the presentation was followed by public discussion and a Q&A with the presenter.

MAY 28, '24

Council approved several National Grid pole hearings (2024-073, 2024-074, 2024-075, 2024-076), each with a stipulation that poles be placed at least three feet from the road where specified. The council approved an exemption for the Deputy Police Chief position from Chapter 31 (2024-057), accepted a preservation restriction for 6 Center Street (2024-058), and voted to post proposed Session 14 City Council Rules & Procedures (2024-002) on the city website as amended.

MAY 28, '24

The subcommittee voted unanimously to recommend that Dogtown Restoration Co. be engaged to conserve the library's front doors and the circulation desk and discussed seeking use of unrestricted Trust funds for those preservation projects.

MAY 28, '24

Public hearing on an ABCC all‑alcohol on‑premise license application for Bubble Bar Boston on Main.

MAY 23, '24

Ad Hoc Budget Committee heard FY25 budget presentations for the Office of Community & Economic Development (including the Planning Board and Conservation Commission) and the Department of Public Works, covering sewer, water, snow/ice, recycling/refuse, and outdoor lighting.

MAY 23, '24

The Commission voted 5-0 to designate 230 Main St as historically significant and to start the 60-day review period.

MAY 23, '24

Public hearing: Variance approved for 80 Cedar St — side setback reduced by 1'6" to permit a residential addition.

MAY 22, '24

Ad Hoc Budget Committee held FY25 budget hearings with presentations from the Assessor, Treasurer/Collector, Information Technology, Mayor’s Office (including Legal Services), Administration & Finance, and City Clerk/Elections/City Council.