Meetings

FEB 3, '26

Discussion of the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget for the Amesbury Public Library.

FEB 2, '26

The commission approved the Notice of Intent for 27.5-9 Clarks Road with special conditions addressing stormwater and construction monitoring, authorized peer reviews for 27 Kimball Road (Weston & Sampson) and 28 Haverhill Road, issued a Certificate of Compliance for 4 Pleasant Valley Road, and approved a minor modification for 0 and 14 Mill Road.

JAN 29, '26

Planning Board approved the site plan decision for the 146‑unit 27.5–29 Clarks Road development (with conditions), approved the site plan and Historic Preservation Special Permit for 45 Main St. with waivers and conditions, and authorized a letter asking the Mayor to use 40R funds for crosswalks and sidewalks on Clarks Road; several other hearings (14 Maple St., 5 & 13 School St., Rocky Hill, 29 Lake Attitash) were continued.

JAN 28, '26

Discussion of an invasives demonstration project at Woodsom Farm and next steps; update on the 2020–2027 Open Space and Recreation Plan (conditional response); and a Community Preservation Committee update with discussion on coordination and oversight with community groups.

JAN 22, '26

A public hearing is scheduled for a variance application by Todd Fitzgerald and Michael Flanagan to construct a single-family home at 68A Fern Avenue (Map 15 Lot 16A).

JAN 21, '26

Board discussed the Facilities/Easement & Grounds project — including permitting approval, an outstanding easement iteration delaying release of $150,000, and a $450,000 CPA request — and reviewed engagement of Human Power Solutions (HPS) for organizational support with potential grant funding of up to $125,000.

JAN 21, '26

The committee will elect a co-chair, review the Community Preservation Plan schedule, and set meeting dates and agendas for the first quarter of 2026.

JAN 20, '26

Discussion of a facility update and development of a proposal for usage of the Cultural Center, including goals, definition of “culture,” prioritization, and approval/scheduling processes.

JAN 15, '26

JAN 15, '26

Committee will review Poet Laureate Support Guidelines to incorporate Whittier Home involvement, plan the new Poet Laureate inauguration/reception (confirmed for Jan 25 at Amesbury Public Library), and consider the retirement of committee member Ellie O’Leary effective Jan 26, 2026.

JAN 14, '26

Board will hold officer elections and assign subcommittees, receive the library budget presentation, and consider votes on the Community Information Board Policy and the Museum Pass Policy.

JAN 14, '26

Committee agreed to send updated bylaws to the full board with a recommendation to approve and forward to DESE, and planned a board retreat with facilitator Kate Scott (including 20‑minute trustee interviews to prepare scope). The committee also advanced succession and board‑recruiting efforts, including outreach to families, alumni and community advisors.

JAN 13, '26

Council will nominate officers (Council President and Vice President), consider City Council rules (2026-002) with a planned Addendum L revision, review 2026–2027 meeting schedules, and accept resignations/announce vacancies for the School Committee and the Library Board of Trustees.

JAN 12, '26

Planning Board approved an ANR for 38.5 Rocky Hill Rd, approved the Definitive Subdivision and Special Permit for 102 Kimball Rd (including deeded open space to the city), and approved a Special Permit for 6 Lake Attitash Way; the large 27.5–29 Clarks Road proposal (Eagles Crossing) was continued with significant design, traffic, and environmental discussion.

JAN 8, '26

The Historical Commission will review several property-specific matters including preliminary presentations for preservation projects at 19 Prospect Street, 2-4 Elmwood, and 230 Main Street, and will hear determinations of historic eligibility or demolition significance for properties at 9 School Street (Ordway), 5 School Street, 14 Maple Street, and 234 Main Street.

JAN 8, '26

Board moved to contact City Councilors and potentially form a committee to meet the Mayor over the prolonged vacancy and recent removal of the Amesbury Council on Aging Director job posting; the Program Coordinator position has been eliminated.

JAN 7, '26

Director presented a request to hire a full‑time RTI Tier 2 teacher ($62K) and proposed adding a part‑time Assistant Director role (Amy Moore split between communications and special education); the Director reported a $450K Community Preservation Act grant application for Phase 2 of the grounds/playground (includes a gazebo prize) and noted playground installation delays and concerns that some students’ IEP services are not being fully met.

JAN 7, '26

Agenda includes election of the Cultural Center Subcommittee chair, discussion of facility and AV installation and short-term supplies (including furniture), and review of the mayor's feedback on the draft space use procedure and reservation request form.

JAN 6, '26

Discussion and vote on Emily Jewett’s Main Street mural proposal; a vote to fiscally support the YWCA Great Newburyport’s Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Commemoration Breakfast & Day of Service; updates on Juneteenth and discussion of core values and goals for 2026.

JAN 6, '26