Meetings

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.

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.