Ordinances

This ordinance authorizes payment of $2,976.23 to Shore Educational Collaborative for Medicaid-related invoices from prior years. The payments will be charged to the current FY25 budget under Medicaid Reimbursement. A two-thirds vote by the City Council is required.

This ordinance authorizes an intergovernmental agreement allowing the Amesbury Council on Aging to use a MassDOT-funded accessible vehicle operated by the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority. The city does not own the vehicle and can terminate the arrangement with 30 days’ notice. The MOUs imposes maintenance, compliance, and usage requirements aimed at serving seniors and people with disabilities.

The City Council authorizes the Mayor to accept and expend FY25 formula grant funding from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs for the Amesbury Council on Aging in the amount of $69,165. The grant supports programs for residents aged 60 and older and is determined by a per-person formula using the 2020 Census.

The Amesbury City Council will accept a $500,000 MassWorks grant to fund pre-construction design and engineering for Clark's Road improvements, aimed at supporting smart growth and MBTA overlay development. No city match required; funds cover surveying, utilities, sidewalks, and traffic measures; final construction to be funded separately.

The City approves accepting a MEMA grant of $9,020 to support Amesbury's Radiological Emergency Preparedness program and Emergency Operations Center operations for SFY25. Funds are administered by the Amesbury Emergency Management Agency under the Fire Chief, with quarterly reporting and a specific payout schedule.

City Council authorizes a $30,000 transfer from the FY25 Budget Reserve to the Legal Consultant Services account. This reallocates funds to cover legal consulting for the current year. The Budget Reserve balance is $125,637 before the transfer.

Accepts a $15,000 grant from MIIA Wellness for SIGMA Tactical Wellness cardiovascular screenings for 20 Amesbury Police Department members. The total cost is $17,000; grant funds must be spent by June 30, 2025.

Transfers $65,000 within the Amesbury Police Department from Salaries and Wages to Equipment Replacement to fund a new command vehicle for the chief and senior leadership. The move supports vehicle purchase and outfitting in response to staffing shortfalls due to academy limits.

Amesbury urges state lawmakers to review and revise the Chapter 70 funding formula to improve equity across all public school districts, including the Student Opportunity Act implications. The resolution seeks local sponsorship and asks residents to advocate for reform.

Provides a $500,000 appropriation from Free Cash to fund site construction work for Amesbury High School's 90’ Diamond Ball Field improvements. The project includes removing old amenities and installing a new backstop, fencing, irrigation, drainage, and scoreboard relocation, with construction scheduled June–September 2025. It primarily affects the Amesbury High School campus and nearby community sports users.

This order appropriates $120,000 from Sewer Retained Earnings to the Sewer Enterprise Fund's Other Expenses to cover grinder pump repairs. It targets the Lake Attitash sewer project and affects residents in the surrounding area by reducing service interruptions and protecting drinking water.

Amesbury approves using Sewer Retained Earnings to fund the purchase of four new Sewer Department vehicles and related branding. The procurement is based on QUO1087 from McGovern MHQ, Inc. The Sewer Retained Earnings balance is $1,576,981.

The bill expands Amesbury’s revolving funds by adding community-use facility fees to the Youth activities fund and clarifying spending authorities and receipts for Youth, COA, and EV charging funds. It also confirms annual spending limits set by the City Council.

Creates a formal Outdoor Dining Ordinance (Chapter 397) to regulate private dining on City streets, sidewalks, and parks. Establishes a fee-based permit process, abutter notices, and safety/ADA requirements. Applies May 1–Nov 1 each year with mayoral approval after committee review.

This order authorizes Amesbury to sign an intermunicipal agreement to join six towns in a Public Health Excellence Shared Services Grant. It creates the Merrimack Valley Public Health Alliance to share public health staff and services, with Amesbury as lead and a regional advisory board. It outlines governance, funding, and participation responsibilities for all towns.

Amesbury approves accepting a $50,000 state earmark grant to fund downtown lighting improvements, to support the Upper Millyard Falls Lighting Project by Beautification Through Illumination. The grant requires contract steps and reporting with deadlines.

Amesbury will accept an $18,989 state Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant to fund PPE purchases for the Fire Department. The grant is reimbursable and requires documentation; the Mayor will execute the DFS contract.

This ordinance approves a $4,550 internal budget transfer within the Conservation Commission. It moves funds from Salaries to Consulting to cover a consultant during onboarding of a new Sustainability & Conservation Planner, smoothing the transition for the department.

The City Council will consider authorizing the Mayor to enter into a five-year or shorter lease-purchase for a new copier at 68 Elm Street. The 48-month lease costs $207.20 per month, using State Bid List pricing, and the copier will serve all city departments at that location.

The City of Amesbury seeks Council approval to surplus three municipal vehicles (one Fire Department asset and two DPW vehicles) and dispose of them under state procurement rules. The Mayor will oversee disposal, as determined to be in the City’s best interest.