Meetings

JUL 16, '25

The agenda includes updates on work related to school consolidation, fund development, and advocacy, plus a review of draft strategy playbooks and discussion of feedback and next steps.

JUL 16, '25

Appointed Mel Webster as minute taker and set a goal to open the first Community Preservation project application cycle in September 2026; the CPC also targeted completion of its Community Preservation Plan for Jan/Feb 2026 and planned a public workshop for April/May 2026.

JUL 16, '25

Pre-application review of a proposed multi-building housing development at 27.5–29 Clarks Road covering site layout, wetlands buffer, utilities, traffic, trails, and conservation restriction; informal discussion of redevelopment plans for 5 and 9 School Street including restoration of the Ordway building and proposed residential units.

JUL 15, '25

2025-081: Subcommittee considered an order to transfer $5,000 from the Streets & Sidewalks Stabilization Fund to a Temporary Repairs on Private Ways account; Mechanics Row residents raised concerns about potholes and the administration's process requiring a unanimous notarized abutter memo under existing 1998-181 procedures. The subcommittee returned the measure to the full City Council with a positive recommendation (2-1).

JUL 15, '25

Preapplication review for 27.5–29 Clarks Rd submitted by Rocky Hill Development.

JUL 15, '25

JUL 15, '25

Project status update on the Amesbury Elementary School building project; committee consideration of routine administrative items related to the project.

JUL 14, '25

Approved site plan and special permit for 26 Friend St (convert to first-floor commercial with 3 residential units); approved ANR and set an erosion-control bond for 201 Elm St; Planning Board sent a positive recommendation on Bill 2025-053 (easement at 12 Elizabeth St) and adopted updated Planning Board Rules and Regulations.

JUL 14, '25

Agenda items include a review of the library’s 2025 fundraising goals, an update on donor management software, and a discussion of the timeline for the 2025 annual appeal.

JUL 10, '25

Preliminary HPSP hearings for the Fuller Building at 45 Main Street and for 1-9 Oakland Street; Historical Commission recommendations to the ZBA for 276 Main Street. The commission will also review workflow/deadlines for HC meetings and discuss proposed revisions to the definition of “Demolition” in Article 40.

JUL 10, '25

ZBA approved a Special Permit to demolish and rebuild the house at 58 Pleasant Valley Road (vote 4-1). The Board also reviewed Housing Support Inc.'s comprehensive permit for 276-278-280 Main St, directed plan revisions, required additional hydrant flow testing, and asked City Counsel to draft a decision based on revised plans.

JUL 9, '25

Trustees accepted the immediate resignation of Bernadette Lucas; Trustees Anne Campbell and Laurie Cameron announced they will not seek re-election this year.

JUL 8, '25

Council approved four mayoral appointments — including Robert Serino as Fire Chief (2025-080) and John Rogers to the ZBA (2025-077) — created an Ad Hoc Clerk Study Committee, withdrew bill 2025-046 (Riverfront Drive signage), and referred bill 2025-081 (a $5,000 appropriation from the Streets and Sidewalks Stabilization Fund) to the Budget & Finance Subcommittee.

JUL 8, '25

Approved using $1,850 from the Soldier’s Memorial Trust Fund as the matching contribution for the Franco‑American Flagpole under the Veterans' Heritage Grant; Eagle Scout bench project at Sumner Goldsmith Park approved to proceed pending DPW placement.

JUL 7, '25

Commission approved selection of Goddard Consulting for peer review of ANRAD 002-1350 (131 Haverhill Rd), issued a Certificate of Compliance for 5 Albion St, approved a driveway modification at 31 Newton Rd (allowing asphalt in place of permeable pavers), endorsed the Bobolink Management Plan rotational mowing schedule at Battis Farm, and ratified emergency tree-removal certifications for 15 Middle Rd and 91 High St.

JUL 7, '25

The agenda includes review of a draft space-use procedure and reservation request form for the Cultural Center, and planning for a September Trails & Sails open house that may include an art show.

JUL 7, '25

Approved a Section 12 All-Alcohol license for Forrest Hill Brewing Company (Mill 77) at 77 Elm Street; commissioners also agreed in principle to revise one-day liquor license fees to $50 for wine/malt and $0 for all-alcohol effective Jan. 1, 2026.

JUL 1, '25

Council unanimously approved Resolution 2025-076 to support the Citys application for a Massachusetts PARC grant to help fund the Brian Eldredge Memorial Skate Park.

JUL 1, '25

JUL 1, '25

The agenda includes updates on Open Studios 2025, Art @ City Hall, ongoing public art projects, the Cultural Center subcommittee, the Poet Laureate report, and a Juneteenth celebration recap.