Meetings

SEP 12, '24

Discussion of Age Friendly Task Force work, updates on the Costello Center and upcoming fall/winter programming, and reports from the Friends of the Council on Aging (FCOA).

SEP 11, '24

Agenda includes a vote on hiring a strategic planning consultant and a vote on trustee trust fund allocation; the meeting also covers library property lines and updates on capital projects and the conditions assessment/facilities master plan.

SEP 11, '24

Agenda items include Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program updates — closeout for FY20, FY21 program start-up, the upcoming FY25 grant application, and a discussion of a CDBG funding deficit — plus Disposition Committee updates on the Ordway School and Orlando‑Bagley properties and a First Time Homebuyer Program discussion.

SEP 10, '24

Council will consider mayoral appointments and several first-reading administrative and ordinance measures including AO 2024-04 reorganizing the DPW Sewer Division; amendments to the Community Preservation Committee, Fire Safety fees, Subdivision Rules for MS4 compliance, and animal/dangerous dog hearing authority; and multiple budget transfer orders affecting mayoral and sewer budgets.

SEP 10, '24

Discussion of the 28th annual Open Studios (including finances, sponsorship, publicity, and volunteers), updates on public art projects including Pride Stairs and a mural at Amesbury Industrial, and programming at Art @ City Hall. The Poet Laureate will present a report and Grants leadership and recipient project updates will be addressed.

SEP 9, '24

The agenda includes votes on Policy GCF, a Conflict of Interest Notice and exemption request, approval of the superintendent’s goals, and a waiver for Murphy, Lamere & Murphy law firm representation, plus an update on the Shay Memorial Building project.

SEP 9, '24

Planning Board voted to send a positive recommendation to City Council for Bill 2024-098 (MBTA Communities overlay for the Golden Triangle) and for Bill 2024-099 (limits on retail marijuana licenses); the Board also appointed an MVPC representative and approved a $6,000 bond release for 19 Evans Place.

SEP 5, '24

Public hearing on a demolition application for 230 Main Street.

SEP 5, '24

Discussion of future potential programs to pursue under the PHE (Public Health Emergency) grant.

SEP 3, '24

Conditional approval of the waterfront redevelopment NOI for 2 and 13 Merrimac St (with waivers and special conditions); approval of NOI and retaining-wall waiver at 5 Albion St (with erosion-control condition); withdrawal of NOI for 13 Newton Rd; Certificates of Compliance issued for 11 West Whitehall Rd and 425 Main St; Commission endorses Town Forest management recommendations and will send a letter of support to City Council.

SEP 3, '24

Design Review Committee agenda includes a continued sign application for 57 Main St. (Advantage Property Management) and a new sign application for 58 Macy St. (Northeast Electrical).

AUG 28, '24

The agenda includes referral 2024-096: An Ordinance to Amend the Amesbury Zoning Ordinance expanding the Renewable Energy Development Overlay District (REDD).

AUG 27, '24

The agenda includes review of Amesbury High School graduation procedures (IKFA - Graduation Exercises), consideration of a draft Emotional Support Animal Policy (linked to IMG - Animals in School), and review of the APS Responsible Use / Acceptable Use Policy (draft).

AUG 25, '24

The agenda schedules an advanced removal session to open early voted ballots at City Hall (62 Friend Street) on Sunday, August 25, 2024 beginning at 9:00 AM; no results will be determined or announced until polls close on September 3, 2024.

AUG 22, '24

Approved a Special Permit/Finding for an addition at 18 Woodlawn St (potential setback encroachment), contingent on a legal opinion from Kopelman & Paige.

AUG 22, '24

Agenda includes evaluation of Environmental Site Assessment report(s) for the Trader Allen Truck Stop, review of prior reports and RFPs, and a focused discussion of project goals and potential assisted living uses.

AUG 22, '24

Agenda includes ballot testing for the district election and discussion of election-day assignments.

AUG 21, '24

Council approved three mayoral appointments: Robert Manseau to the Conservation Commission (term to 2/28/2027), Kerry Hamel Pope reappointed to the Amesbury Housing Trust (term to 4/30/2026), and Adeline Matton to the Board of Registrars (term to 2/28/2025).

AUG 21, '24

Conservation Commission site visit at 5 Albion St., Amesbury on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at 5:00 PM.

AUG 20, '24

The agenda includes review and signing of motor vehicle excise tax abatements (6/14/2024–8/19/2024), review/signing of boat abatements (7/1/2024–7/31/2024) and boat excise uncollectable accounts (2015–2018), review/signing of the Motor Vehicle Commitment Book (2024-4), a corrected revision of the valuation warrant, and discussion of Appellate Tax Board (ATB) cases.