Meetings

MAR 5, '26

The commission will consider historic-preservation matters at 19 Prospect Street (determination of historic eligibility) and 40 Prospect Street (occupancy permit and review of executed preservation restriction). The agenda also includes a discussion of the Demolition Bylaw.

MAR 5, '26

Pre-application presentation for a proposed project at 10 Chestnut Street.

MAR 4, '26

Executive Committee confirmed DESE/SchoolWorks interviews for March 12, discussed school‑calendar constraints including possible post‑Labor Day starts and the June 30 legal limit, and reviewed plans for the March 28 Board retreat; leadership announced a transition away from external HR provider BlueLion and the need to update the website link from a 2011 Grievance Policy to the current 2015 Complaint Policy.

MAR 4, '26

Council approved a package of mayoral reappointments (2026-054 through 2026-061), adopted amendments to the Cemetery Ordinance (2026-041), and authorized multiple grants and appropriations including the North Shore HOME grant (2026-042), the MassWorks grant (2026-037), the revised AHS ball field transfer (2026-027), and a $200,000 appropriation to Stabilization (2026-028). Public comment raised concerns about funding for 2026-029 (an appropriation from Free Cash) which the council deferred to a later meeting.

MAR 4, '26

Trustees will receive an update on the Massachusetts Preservation Project Grant and will discuss and vote on the FY27 budget. The agenda also includes consideration of matters not reasonably anticipated in advance of the meeting.

MAR 3, '26

The council will consider use and programming of the Amesbury Cultural Center including a vote on a proposal, review Open Studios 2026, Art @ City Hall, and public art projects, and vote to fund a plaque for the new Poet Laureate. The meeting also includes discussion of the council's core values and goals for 2026.

MAR 3, '26

MAR 2, '26

Pre-application review for 29 Water St.: proposal to convert a historic mill to six residential units under a Historic Special Permit (parking waiver and affordable-unit options discussed). The Board also reviewed proposed internal administrative procedures for submittals, deadlines, interdepartmental memos, and pre-decision hearings.

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.