Meetings

OCT 6, '26

Agenda includes a vote on selecting a food contractor (Request for Quote) and a review of SAPHE 2.0 regional results. The meeting also covers an October newsletter review, a recap of the Community Baby Shower, and regional public health updates including fee analysis for food permits and RIZE technical assistance and matching grants.

OCT 5, '26

The Planning Board closed the continued public hearings for the Rocky Hill development (site plan and definitive subdivision) and scheduled the board to render final decisions on October 14. The meeting focused on drafted findings, waivers, and conditions for the large mixed-use Rocky Hill project.

OCT 5, '26

The School Committee approved the district policy on interactions with law enforcement (Protect Act), amending the protected-classes language and wording to align with DESE IMR guidance.

OCT 5, '26

The commission approved the Notice of Intent for a single‑family home at 29 Lake Attitash Road (DEP 002-1360) with conditions including monitoring and a performance bond; it also approved Boston Gas’s Chestnut Street pressure‑relief valve installation (DEP 002-13683). Commissioners issued Negative Determinations for the 465 Main Street landscaping/driveway work, the City’s Pond Street repaving, and removal of the Upper Millyard pedestrian bridge, and granted a three‑year extension for 39 Poplar Street (DEP 002-1229).

SEP 30, '26

Trustees will receive a status update on the 2026 Annual Appeal, including review and a vote on the final appeal letter.

SEP 29, '26

Discussion of upcoming events and exhibits at the Cultural Center, review of facility maintenance and funding options for gallery lighting/hanging system, and consideration of the Cultural Center Handbook.

SEP 28, '26

Approved: signage for Low and Slow Southern Kitchen & Tap at 11 Elm St.; approved change of use and exterior improvements for a new Bagel Roost at 46 Elm St., subject to staff conditions and field-verified parking/fire sign-off.

SEP 28, '26

IT director presented a major technology update covering recent infrastructure upgrades, cybersecurity measures, a FERPA‑compliant Google Gemini AI rollout, and a proposed block on student external email; consultants from TMS Management Solutions presented a Georgetown–Amesbury regionalization feasibility study analyzing grade 6–12 consolidation impacts on enrollment, transportation (estimate: four additional buses, ~$300k first year), facilities capacity, academic outcomes, and fiscal/bargaining implications.

SEP 24, '26

The board will hear three new zoning matters: a variance request for an addition at 9 Sanborn Terrace, a special permit for a home-occupation massage therapy at 40 Merrimac Street, and an appeal challenging the building commissioner’s determination about a commercial use at 102 Friend Street (rear). A continued public hearing will consider a Comprehensive Permit for a 95-unit multifamily cottage rental development at 27 Kimball Road under Chapter 40B.

SEP 24, '26

Agenda includes appointment of a School Council co-chair and notetaker and review of the School Improvement Plan draft for Cashman Elementary School.

SEP 23, '26

Discussion of the Draft Trail Management and Stewardship Plan is on the agenda for committee consideration and guidance.

SEP 23, '26

Topics include the Annual Appeal 2026 status with postage, timeline review, and a final letter for a vote; consideration of other fundraising opportunities including a historic circulation desk proposal; and discussion of a fund expenditure procedure under old business.

SEP 23, '26

Public hearing and adoption of the City of Amesbury Community Preservation Plan (approved as amended to correct an appendix reference and to require committee consideration of public input during funding deliberations).

SEP 23, '26

Board to consider officer and role decisions including a vote on the Secretary and the Special Projects Officer role, review and vote on the Capital Budget, and receive the Director’s Report including the annual report and school dashboard.

SEP 22, '26

Council approved three mayoral appointments to the Open Space, Natural Resources and Trails Committee and the Historical Commission (2026-142, 2026-143, 2026-144); approved National Grid pole work at Bay St. (2026-126); approved an order accepting M.G.L. c.140 sec.139 (2026-129); authorized acceptance of a $25,000 FY27 Field Demonstration Project grant (2026-130); and appropriated $30,000 from the Smart Growth Stabilization Fund for neighborhood traffic calming (2026-133).

SEP 17, '26

Spotlight Awards and planning for the 2026–2027 presentation series (including a technology survey) are on the agenda, along with a discussion of sub-committee goals.

SEP 17, '26

Review of a prospective project at 33 Mill Street and an application review for Bagel Roost at 46 Elm Street are on the agenda.

SEP 15, '26

Council continued 2026-128 (City Clerk Salary Ordinance) for further legal review; voted to send 2026-129 (acceptance of M.G.L. c.140 §139C senior dog-license exemption) and 2026-130 (accept a $25,000 FY27 Field Demonstration Project grant) to the full City Council with positive recommendations; and recommended 2026-133 (appropriate $30,000 from Smart Growth Stabilization for traffic calming) to the full Council (5-2).

SEP 15, '26

Design Review Committee will consider sign application for Low and Slow Southern Kitchen and Tap at 11 Elm Street and review a new application for Bagel Roost at 46 Elm Street.

SEP 15, '26

Discussion of preservation projects including a Community Preservation Fund application, the Redford Records Room custom shelving project, and conservation work at the Circulation Desk. Updates on the New England Hidden Histories project and accessioning procedures are also on the agenda.