Meetings

MAR 2, '26

Subcommittee will review updates to the Cultural Center proposal, consider a proposed Artist Education Series, and discuss policies and procedures for exhibiting artwork at the Cultural Center.

MAR 2, '26

Commission approved a shoreline stabilization NOI (002-1363) for a retaining wall at 68 & 70 Lake Attitash Road, issued Certificates of Compliance for 68 Lake Attitash Road (002-1124) and 66B Lake Attitash Road (002-1323), and authorized an environmental peer review for the 379‑unit Rocky Hill MBTA redevelopment (NOI 002-1362).

FEB 25, '26

Presentations on phased improvements and accessibility upgrades for Batchelder Park (Po Hill) and Deer Island Park, including trail work, invasive-species management, parking/guardrail options, and potential CPA funding; committee appointed Craige Hird as its representative to the Community Preservation Committee.

FEB 25, '26

Board accepted Chair Denise Herrera's resignation and elected Tanya Murdy as Chair; Jonathan Nickerson was elected Vice Chair and Chris Getz Secretary. The board voted to retain school counsel Marc Terry and declined to approve updated Document Retention, Complaint, Public Access to Records, and Whistleblower policies, as well as updated bylaws.

FEB 19, '26

Pre-application review of a proposed 68-unit, five‑building redevelopment at 230 Main St — preserving the historic 230 Main St while demolishing 234 Main St — raised parking shortfalls, fire access, and traffic concerns and will require a traffic impact study and permitting. Also reviewed: a proposal to convert upper floors at 29 Water St into six residential units with temporary construction easements and likely municipal parking use.

FEB 17, '26

Subcommittee recommended forwarding multiple FY26 appropriations, grants, and earmarks — including funding for the AHS ball field (2026-027), a $200,000 transfer to Stabilization (2026-028), a $100,000 Free Cash request for City Hall costs (2026-029, returned without recommendation), Phase 2 of the downtown Parking Study earmark (2026-040), and a cemetery ordinance fee change (2026-041) — to the full City Council for consideration.

FEB 11, '26

The board will review and vote on the Community Information Board Policy and the Museum Pass Policy, and will discuss the FY27 budget.

FEB 10, '26

Council approved a slate of board and commission reappointments and appointments (multiple 2026-0XX items) and declared vacancies on the Library Board and School Committee; the Council also referred a broad set of fiscal and ordinance orders — including 2026-008 (Council Rules), copier lease 2026-024, school ball field funding 2026-027, cemetery ordinance 2026-041, MassWorks grant 2026-037, and the North Shore HOME grant 2026-042 — to standing committees for further review.

FEB 10, '26

Key cultural initiatives on the agenda include a vote on a proposal for use of the Amesbury Cultural Center, planning for Open Studios 2026, Art @ City Hall programming, and ongoing public art projects and the Poet Laureate report.

FEB 10, '26

Committee reviewed Fall 2025 screeners and flagged weak math performance (notably at E2 level), requesting trend and disaggregated data and standardized (timed) administration. The committee also tasked Karen with drafting an English Language Learners policy to meet DESE requirements and confirmed internal audit preparation support from Colin Vanderberg.

FEB 9, '26

Board approved a sign for MacDaddies at 36 Main St. and reviewed preapplication plans for a large Historic Preservation Special Permit at 230 Main St. (proposal to preserve a 1745 house within a new multi-building 68‑unit development); the Board also heard historic-preservation preapplications for 2 Elmwood St. and 19 Prospect St.

FEB 9, '26

Committee will consider appointing leadership, review current finances and recent/planned Poet Laureate activities, and finalize plans for the new Poet Laureate inauguration/reception. Members will also review Support Guidelines to reflect involvement with the Whittier Home and address any other unanticipated matters.

FEB 7, '26

City Council will review the FY26 budget and begin FY27 budget planning, including revenue and expense estimates, and discuss the overall budget process and timeline.

FEB 5, '26

Public hearings and determinations on historic preservation matters including full demolition permit review for 234 Main Street and 5 School, and Historic Preservation Special Permit (HPSP) eligibility/reviews for 230 Main Street, 2-4 Elmwood, 9 School, 14 Maple, and a project application for 13 School Street.

FEB 5, '26

The subcommittee will review an updated proposal for use of the Cultural Center, including cleaning options (schedule, adhoc needs, vendors and costs) and discuss fees for renting the Gallery Unit.

FEB 5, '26

Pre-application review of a proposed two-building, 126-unit development at 28 Haverhill Rd (20% affordable) with key traffic, wetland, and utility issues; preapplication reviews for subdivision/new house at 2 Elmwood St; and a proposal for a renovated two-family plus a new three-unit building at 19 Prospect St. 230 Main St. was postponed to 2/19/26.

FEB 4, '26

Committee set the full board agenda to include votes on the trustee officer slate, retention of attorney Marc Terry (transition to Stoneman, Chandler & Miller), updated bylaws/policies (behavioral/whistleblower/complaint), and a Human Power Solutions/HR-vendor recommendation.

FEB 4, '26

Committee reviewed updated bylaws aligned to DESE guidance and agreed to time final approval with new whistle‑blower and complaint policies; the committee also planned a board retreat with anonymous 30‑minute interviews for an external audit and voted to create a board education subcommittee. The meeting included a formal review of trustee removal procedure and Open Meeting Law requirements.

FEB 3, '26

Committee reviewed River Valley Charter School fundraising and development activities including the Annual Fund status, plans to pursue charitable foundation applications, and the Read-A-Thon fundraising progress (as of Day 2: $10,417 raised). The committee also discussed potential staffing for development (part-time grant-writing support or a development director) and upcoming community events including a new-family event and a donor reception for gifts over $500.

FEB 3, '26

The Board will review and sign excise and tax-related documents including the 2026 boat excise commitment book, motor vehicle excise tax abatements (Jan 2026), 2026 sewer warrants, and PILOT warrants for Kearsage Amesbury LLC and Amesbury Housing Authority. The board will also review approved exemption packets and a tax deferral certificate.