Meetings

APR 22, '25

Council adopted Ordinance 2024-096 to expand the Renewable Energy Development Overlay District and approved a $500,000 MassWorks grant for the Clark's Road project (2025-037). The Council also approved COA grant funding (2025-038), an MOU with the MVRTA for an accessible vehicle (2025-039), acceptance of a $401,654.70 Complete Streets grant (2025-042), and confirmed the appointment of Marisa Batista as CFO (2025-043).

APR 22, '25

Trustees accepted a $5,000 Veterans' Heritage Grant (with required match) to fund Rocky Hill Memorial work and agreed that projects under $10,000 may proceed without additional approvals; vendor discussions with Flag ProForma are underway and Tom Champion will serve as point of contact. PR Monuments provided restoration quotes (Rocky Hill $3,467; Highlands $789; cemetery cannon $4,870) and the board agreed to schedule winterization/shrink-wrapping of the Franco‑American Memorial after Veterans Day.

APR 17, '25

The agenda includes review of potential surplus properties and the disposition status of Trading Allen’s Truck Stop and Cynthia Lane, an update on MBTA zoning legislation and the city’s Subsidized Housing Inventory, and a report on the First‑Time Homebuyer Assistance Program.

APR 17, '25

Updates on the Playful Learning and Investigating History grant, a student-led presentation of the Vision of the Graduate, and plans for fifth grade celebrations.

APR 17, '25

Agenda includes a FY26 budget discussion with possible cuts to maintenance and curriculum resources and several staff positions (Literacy Coach, Math Specialist, Librarian, Receptionist, CNA, Grade 2 teacher), and an update on the Playful Learning Institute Grant (PreK–3).

APR 17, '25

The agenda includes a general discussion and an edit/review of the Boards, Commissions, and Committees Review report, and a discussion about submitting and presenting that report to the Mayor and City Council.

APR 16, '25

The Planning & Development Committee agenda includes two grant authorizations: 2025-037 (MassWorks Community One Stop for Growth grant, $500,000) to support the Clark’s Road project, and 2025-042 (FY25 Complete Streets Funding Program grant, $401,654.70) from MassDOT.

APR 16, '25

The agenda includes updates on the AMS Performance Center project and the school roof project, plus planning for the Celebration of Learning.

APR 16, '25

Recommended approval of the Barking Dog outdoor dining permit at 18 Friend St; TRC discussed and provided advisory comments for a ZBA inquiry on 276, 278, and 280 Main St regarding the ability to connect to the Main St water main.

APR 15, '25

The Communications Subcommittee agenda focuses on budget season communications, outreach to elected officials, and IMLS advocacy.

APR 15, '25

The Budget & Finance Subcommittee recommended favorable consideration to the City Council for several funding and program items: MassWorks grant 2025-037 ($500,000 for Clark's Road), Complete Streets grant 2025-042 ($401,654.70), EOEA COA formula grant 2025-038 ($69,165), an MOU for an accessible COA vehicle 2025-039, and a transfer from the FY25 Salary Reserve (2025-041) with intent to revisit the City Clerk’s pay.

APR 15, '25

APR 14, '25

Agenda includes a vote on the IC/ICA School Year/School Calendar policy, first readings of JRA (Retention of Student Records) and LBC (Relations with non-public schools), a vote on the Last Day of School, consideration of a $175,000 Playful Learning grant, and FY26 budget and capital-plan discussion plus a Shay Memorial Building Project update.

APR 14, '25

The Subcommittee forwarded Order 2025-039 — a proposed MOU between the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority and the Council on Aging to provide an accessible vehicle for senior transportation — to the full City Council with recommended edits clarifying 'MeVa' usage and tightening termination language.

APR 14, '25

The Planning Board accepted withdrawal without prejudice of the Meadowbrook site plan and special permit, and recommended two grant orders to City Council: Bill 2025-037 (MassWorks Clarks Road design grant) and Bill 2025-042 (Complete Streets funding for sidewalks on Highland St. and an intersection redesign at Market St. and South Hampton St.).

APR 10, '25

Agenda includes discussion of Senior Week planning, the Amesbury High School budget, staffing/hiring, and NEASC accreditation/Vision of the Graduate work.

APR 10, '25

The committee will receive training from Stuart Saginor, Executive Director of the Community Preservation Coalition, on Community Preservation matters.

APR 10, '25

APR 9, '25

Trustees approved an updated Borrower’s Rights and Responsibilities policy and voted to recall the policy on lending to residents of municipalities with decertified libraries; trustees also noted the library received state aid and that no capital requests were granted this year due to the planned sale of properties on School St.

APR 8, '25

Council referred several FY25 grant and funding orders for second readings on April 22: 2025-037 (authorize acceptance of $500,000 MassWorks grant for the Clark's Road project), 2025-042 (accept $401,654.70 Complete Streets grant), 2025-038 (accept $69,165 EOEA formula grant for the Council on Aging), 2025-039 (MOU with Merrimack Valley RTA for an accessible vehicle), and 2025-041 (transfer $45,889.50 from FY25 Salary Reserve).