Meetings

MAY 20, '24

The committee advanced amendments to the City Council Rules (2024-002) and returned the revised rules to the full Council with a positive recommendation; it also returned bill 2024-057 (a home-rule petition to exempt the Deputy Police Chief from Chapter 31/civil service) with a positive recommendation and approved a preservation restriction agreement for 6 Center Street (2024-058).

MAY 20, '24

Order 2024-058 (Preservation Restriction Agreement for 6 Center St) was returned to the full City Council with a positive recommendation; Councilor Corcoran recused as an abutter. Ordinances 2024-065 (extend R-40 zoning along Haverhill Rd) and 2024-066 (Amesbury Gateway Village SGOD amendments) were continued to the June meeting.

MAY 16, '24

Public hearing on the Amesbury Public Schools proposed FY25 budget, including presentation of a School Committee-approved budget representing a 4.98% increase over the original FY24 budget (4.10% over the adjusted FY24 budget).

MAY 14, '24

Council confirmed four appointments to local boards, approved AO 2024-03 creating a Sustainability and Conservation Planner position, approved an increase to Retirement Board stipends (2024-055), set a June 11 public hearing for the FY25 operating budget (2024-001), and scheduled June 25 public hearings for zoning changes 2024-065 and 2024-066.

MAY 13, '24

Board approved a hanging sign for Looks by Lopez at 14 Market Square, recommended acceptance of the 6 Center St. preservation restriction (Bill 2024-058), granted a 2-year extension for the 39-41 Hillside Ave decision, endorsed the Stantec contract through 2026, and authorized a working group to refine the IAMesbury 2030 Master Plan.

MAY 8, '24

MAY 7, '24

Agenda includes program updates and opportunities: grant recipient event sign-ups and Open Studios listings; a Public Art item focused on the “Carriages to Wheels” project; and miscellaneous matters including Amesbury’s 2030 Master Plan and a non-profit round table recap.

MAY 6, '24

The Commission issued OOCs/COCs and approved permit modifications for several properties: OOC for 117 Whitehall Rd; COCs for 48 Fern Ave and 31 Newton Rd (and lifting the EO at 31 Newton); approved modifications for 386 Main St and OOC 002-1015 (Bailey’s Pond); and issued an emergency certification for 29 Pleasant Valley Rd.

MAY 2, '24

Demolition application for 230 Main St (MACRIS AME.200) was discussed; the commission will perform a site visit the week of May 6 and a public follow-up meeting was tentatively set for May 23. St. James Episcopal Church requested local support for state historic designation and the commission indicated support. Amesbury Public Library was reported as qualifying to pursue National Historic Landmark consideration by MassHistoric.

APR 29, '24

Presentation of the I AMesbury 2030 Master Plan followed by a Planning Board discussion about transitioning to in-person meetings.

APR 25, '24

Approved a Special Permit/Finding (XI Special Conditions K.2) for an in‑law apartment addition at 66 Clinton St., conditioned on construction per submitted plans and not exceeding 30% of gross floor area.

APR 24, '24

Public hearings on dangerous/nuisance-dog determinations at 47 Macy St (dog ‘Scrappie’) — nuisance designation with tethering requirements when removed from the dwelling — and at 58 Congress St (dog ‘Rebel’) — declared a dangerous dog with restrictions under MGL c.140 §157(c) i, ii, iii, and v.

APR 24, '24

Mass Audubon presented draft goals and objectives for the Woodsom Farm / Town Forest management plan focused on zoning, mowing for grassland-bird habitat, and public education; ARPA-funded consulting is committed for the Woodsom Farm plan and a follow-up Battis Farm land-management report is planned for July–December 2024.

APR 23, '24

Council approved several budget actions including 2024-052 ($30,000 water appropriation), 2024-053 (accept $19,760 grant from the Newburyport Society for the Relief of Aged Women), 2024-054 (accept $19,000 firefighter safety equipment grant), and 2024-056 (transfer $50,000 within the Police budget); the council also discharged 2024-055 (proposal to increase Retirement Board stipends) from committee for full consideration and referred 2024-061 (Economic Development earmark $150,000), 2024-062 (FY25–FY27 public health shared services grant), and 2024-063 (Pedestrian Bridges earmark $12,500) to Budget & Finance.

APR 22, '24

Public hearings on redevelopment of the marina/restaurant at 2 and 13 Merrimac St., a proposed 100'x180' practice field and expanded parking at 12 South Hunt Rd., and a continued hearing for 87 S Hampton Rd. were discussed; the Board also determined a minor earthwork modification for 12 South Hunt Rd.

APR 18, '24

Approved outdoor dining applications for Market Square Bakehouse (5 Market Square), Outrider Beer Co. (35 Main Street), Blue Moon Kitchen & Bar (26 Millyard #8), Barking Dog Bar & Grille (21 Friend Street), and Brewery Silvaticus (9 Water Street); approvals are contingent on ABCC approval or passage of Bill $.1325.

APR 16, '24

Approved 2024 outdoor dining permits for Outrider Beer Company, Brewery Silvaticus, Blue Moon Kitchen (with sod-repair stipulation), Barking Dog Grill (with barrier/driveway/ADA stipulations), and Market Square Bakehouse; discussion and public comment on the proposed Marina redevelopment at 2 and 13 Merrimac St., which was continued for further review.

APR 16, '24

The Budget & Finance Committee advanced several fiscal orders to the full City Council: 2024-052 (transfer $30,000 from Water Retained Earnings to Water Other Expenses), 2024-053 (accept a $19,760 grant/donation for the Council on Aging), 2024-054 (accept a $19,000 firefighter safety equipment grant), and 2024-056 (transfer $50,000 within the Police budget). Order 2024-055 (increase Retirement Board stipends and create a City Treasurer stipend) was referred to the Ordinance & Administration subcommittee.

APR 11, '24

The Planning Board approved storefront sign applications for Apricot Lane at 19 Main St. and Century 21 at 87 Main St.; both received positive recommendations from the Design Review Committee.

APR 11, '24