Meetings

SEP 17, '26

Spotlight Awards and planning for the 2026–2027 presentation series (including a technology survey) are on the agenda, along with a discussion of sub-committee goals.

SEP 17, '26

Review of a prospective project at 33 Mill Street and an application review for Bagel Roost at 46 Elm Street are on the agenda.

SEP 15, '26

Councilors continued debate on an ordinance to formalize City Clerk compensation and review procedures, and the Committee recommended approval of: 1) Bill 2026-129 to accept MGL c.140 §139C waiving dog-license fees for residents 70+, 2) Bill 2026-130 to accept a $25,000 FY27 grant to modernize the Costello Center kitchen for Council on Aging services, and 3) Bill 2026-133 to appropriate $30,000 from the Smart Growth Stabilization Fund for pilot traffic-calming measures.

SEP 15, '26

Design Review Committee will consider sign application for Low and Slow Southern Kitchen and Tap at 11 Elm Street and review a new application for Bagel Roost at 46 Elm Street.

SEP 15, '26

Discussion of preservation projects including a Community Preservation Fund application, the Redford Records Room custom shelving project, and conservation work at the Circulation Desk. Updates on the New England Hidden Histories project and accessioning procedures are also on the agenda.

SEP 15, '26

Director report on back-to-school, staffing/org chart changes, HR updates, and grounds/capital projects; Executive Committee will review policies, DESE annual report/action items and upcoming finance audit, discuss director goals and ED search, and set accountability-focused board agenda items.

SEP 15, '26

The committee will review the August financial statements and consider approval of the 2026–2027 Capital Budget for River Valley Charter School.

SEP 14, '26

New business includes approval of two middle school field trips (8th grade and 6th grade Camp Bournedale) and a first reading of the INTERACTING WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS (PROTECT ACT) policy. The committee will also receive routine reports including the Superintendent’s Report, Student Advisory Council, Whittier Tech and SEPAC updates, and subcommittee reports.

SEP 14, '26

Planning Board approved a detached ADU (site plan and special permit) at 12 Oak Street and approved the definitive subdivision for 2-4 Elmwood Street (subject to recording a historic preservation restriction). The board continued major ongoing projects including Rocky Hill and continued the Lake Attitash Road special permit to October 14.

SEP 14, '26

Review of the FY26 year-end budget and multiple facilities updates including parking at Shay Elementary, signage/curb painting at AMS and AHS, and AMS air-conditioning. The sub-committee will also discuss goals for the 2026–2027 year.

SEP 9, '26

Agenda includes a Vice Chair election, a vote on a half-day staff development closure, and discussion/vote regarding Trustee trust funds. The board will also hear an update on the FY27-19 Strategic Plan and a School Street construction project update.

SEP 9, '26

Discussion of River Valley Charter School’s development plans for Fall 2026 including the annual appeal, fundraising goals and partnership/sponsorship opportunities, plus committee roles. The agenda also covers community connections such as PA and other RVCS events and a development subcommittee.

SEP 9, '26

The board will discuss governance, best practices, and next steps, and receive updates on Council on Aging programs, Costello Center activities, and the FCOA.

SEP 8, '26

Council appointed Jonathan Greeno to the Board of Assessors (2026-124), appointed Travis Souther to the Trustees of War Memorials (2026-125), and reappointed Jennifer E. Smith as City Clerk (2026-127); the council accepted Councillor Claudel Frederique’s resignation and declared the District 2 seat vacant (2026-132). The council approved a slate of new business licenses and accepted and referred a late-filed order to appropriate $30,000 from the Smart Growth Stabilization Fund for neighborhood traffic calming (2026-133) to the Committee of the Whole.

SEP 8, '26

The board will consider a vote to spend up to $125 to hire Evelyn Kovach to distribute Open Studios posters around Amesbury and neighboring towns, and will discuss matters related to the Cultural District.

SEP 8, '26

The commission approved the Notice of Intent and issued an Order of Conditions for the Rocky Hill Development (265 R, 277 R, 281, 287, 287 R, 287.5 Elm Street). Hearings for projects at 29 Lake Attitash Rd, 4 Lake Attitash Rd, 28 Haverhill Rd, 3 Old Merrill St, and a Chestnut Street (Boston Gas) gas-main/pressure-relief-valve project were continued to the October 5 meeting.

SEP 8, '26

Subcommittee will review proposed policy language and APS implementation materials regarding interactions with law enforcement, student use of time-out/seclusion/physical restraint (JKAA, JKAA-R), and student drug and alcohol use policies (JFCH, JFCH-R).

SEP 3, '26

Public hearing on a demolition permit and determination of historical significance for 64 Whitehall. The commission will also discuss election of officers.

SEP 1, '26

Sign review for Low and Slow Southern Kitchen and Tap at 11 Elm Street, plus general agenda items for continued and new applications and internal review.

SEP 1, '26

Agenda includes consideration of the Renewable Energy Siting Regulations (mandatory adoption date Oct 1, 2026); updates on Community Power Aggregation and energy projects (National Grid PPP, Lumos Lighting, CES RTU #5, Green Communities Fall Grant); and solid-waste policy items including Pay-As-You-Throw rollout, mattress recycling, and commercial/backyard composting.