Ordinances

The Amesbury City Council appropriates $30,000 from the Smart Growth Stabilization Fund to fund traffic calming measures in densely populated residential neighborhoods. Potential measures include speed radar feedback signs, centerline signs, and temporary speed humps to improve safety for residents and pedestrians.

The City Council approves paying four prior-year invoices totaling $19,396.98 from the FY27 general fund operating budget. The payments cover City Council audit services, DPW police details, Harcros chemicals, and DPW communications. The measure requires a two-thirds majority approval.

This ordinance authorizes the Mayor to accept a $25,000 grant to modernize the Costello Center kitchen. The upgrade will boost nutrition services, safety, accessibility, and programming for Amesbury's older adults, with a 6-9 month timeline.

The city approves a state option to waive dog license fees for residents aged 70 and older. Senior dog owners would still need to license and vaccinate their dogs, and late fees or kennel licenses are not affected.

This ordinance creates a formal process for setting the City Clerk’s pay, establishes an annual performance review, and ties potential increases to market comparisons and a city-wide COLA. It also notes the current base salary and requires budget alignment.

Amesbury City Council orders the reappointment of Jennifer E. Smith as City Clerk for a three-year term from October 10, 2026 to October 10, 2029, or until a successor is qualified. This ensures continuity in the City Clerk’s office, including records management, elections administration, and council support. The measure is sponsored by Councilor Jessica Redfern (District 5).

National Grid and Verizon seek permission to relocate Pole 4 on Bay Street, Amesbury, to clear space for an anchor and guy wire. The project includes moving a dead-tree guy and installing underground laterals; a public hearing was held. The city grants authority to place and maintain the poles and wires in the public way per the submitted plan.

A city permit approves National Grid's plan to install underground electric conduits on Main Street in Amesbury, including two manholes and house connections, following a public hearing.

Amesbury’s official notice ordering the September 1, 2026 state primary election. It specifies polling location, hours, and offices on the ballot for residents. Includes instructions to return the warrant after voting.

This order asks City Council to declare four municipal vehicles and equipment as surplus (DPW, Water, School). If approved, the Mayor may dispose of them under GL c. 30B, §15 in the City's best interest.

City approves moving $15,000 from Budget Reserve to the Health Department's Salaries & Wages to partially fund a Public Health Nurse. This is an internal budget transfer affecting health staffing.

This ordinance authorizes a $48,000 transfer from Water Retained Earnings to the Water Sick Leave Buy-Back account (610-0450-5152). It is intended to fund buy-back payouts for two Water Treatment Plant Assistant Chief Operators retiring in July 2026. The transfer uses existing Water Retained Earnings (currently $536,423.67) and represents an internal Water Fund budget adjustment.

Amesbury seeks to borrow up to $1.6 million to buy two new, purpose-built fire engines and equip them. The purchase aims to restore the city’s two-station fire deployment, reopen Elm Street Station, and end reliance on borrowed apparatus. Financing would start in FY2028 and run 7-10 years.

Certificate confirms OBSIDIANML6, LLC's license to store flammables at 132 Elm Street. The license must comply with state fire code and be posted on-site.

Certifies the license for storing flammables at the specified Main Street site and requires posting and fire-code compliance.

Recognizes June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month and urges official city recognition. Calls for promotion of LGBTQ+ history and contributions, and for practices that ensure safety and equity for residents, including youth and transgender individuals. Also requests flying the Pride Flag at City facilities.

City Council approves inter-departmental transfers of general fund money to cover departmental deficits and overages. Funds move between multiple departments, with sources including Assessor, Fire, and Reserves, to balance the year-end budget.

The ordinance creates a Pay-As-You-Throw program with annual cart stickers and a $100 per-cart fee for curbside garbage collection, targeting small residential properties and Downtown Amesbury. It also updates container and placement rules and directs revenue to fund waste services. Implementation is planned before 2027 and applies citywide (≤6 units) and in the Downtown CBD.

Amesbury establishes a Solid Waste Enterprise Fund to fund the city’s waste and recycling programs. The fund will hold revenues from a planned residential trash fee and cover collection, disposal, and administration costs.

Authorizes a perpetual utility easement on city-owned 10 Water Street for Massachusetts Electric Company and Verizon New England, Inc. to install and maintain an overhead electric and telephone system. The easement covers up to three poles and related equipment, with rights to relocation and required restoration; the Mayor is authorized to sign the Grant of Easement.