Amesbury public meetings in 2021

Retirement Board

The Amesbury Retirement Board is meeting to process new member enrollments and retirement benefit calculations. The board will review financial warrants and reports from November and December 2021. The meeting includes the processing of a member account transfer totaling $121,650.49.

• Transfer of William J. Scott's account totaling $121,650.49
• Enrollment of Desiree McDonough (School Department) and Jeffery C. Burr (Police Department)
• Reimbursement of $6,229.35 per year to the Massachusetts Teachers’ Retirement Board for Theresa Arsenault
• Review of December 2021 Payroll, Cash Disbursements, and Vendor Payment Warrants
• Scheduling of an evidentiary hearing for Heather Ryan's disability application on January 27, 2022

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing to consider a special permit request for a property conversion. The board will also review minutes from the October 2021 meeting.

• Special permit request for 22-24 Aubin St. to convert a two-family structure to a three-family structure

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will discuss transitioning its application process to the Open Gov online permitting system. The body will also review its internal structure and agenda posting procedures. Specific property addresses are listed for possible discussion.

• Proposal to move applications to Open Gov online permitting
• Discussion of commission member roles and agenda posting process
• Possible discussion regarding 142 Main street
• Possible discussion regarding 69 Friend street (All Saints Anglican Church revisions)
• Possible discussion regarding 452 Main street

Retirement Board

The Amesbury Retirement Board is meeting to review the 2022 budget and receive an investment presentation from the Pension Reserves Investment Management Board. The body will also process new member enrollments, account transfers, and retirement approvals.

• Account transfer for Katherine M. Szuplat in the amount of $22,789.87
• Account transfer for Kerry Ann Remillard in the amount of $9,876.98
• Review of November 2021 Payroll, Cash Disbursements, and Vendor Payment Warrants
• Discussion of disability retirement application for Heather Ryan
• Presentation of the 2022 Budget

Amesbury Housing Trust

The Amesbury Housing Trust will meet to receive updates on the Housing Trust Account and the North Shore HOME Consortium funding. The body will also discuss Council Ordinance 2021-107 regarding a means-tested rental assistance program for senior citizens.

• Update on Council Ordinance 2021-107 (Means-Tested Senior Citizen Rental Assistance Program)
• North Shore HOME Consortium Funding update
• Housing Trust Account update
• Meet and greet with Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity

Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee

The Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee is meeting to review reports on land parcels and funding applications. The agenda includes a public hearing regarding a City re-application for DOT funds for the Riverwalk Trail Connector.

• City Council passage of 2021-102 (Town Forest) and 2021-129 (Quinn parcel)
• Gorman Farm (28 Haverhill Road) ROFR NOI
• Public hearing for Riverwalk Trail Connector DOT funding application
• Coordinated Open Space and Natural Resource Management Planning with John Lopez
• OSR 2021-22 Priorities

Retirement Board

The Retirement Board is meeting to process new member enrollments, retirement applications, and fund transfers. The board will also review monthly financial warrants and a presentation on an Employee Self Service Portal.

• Transfer of $6,680.12 for Jessica L. Ladd and $7,351.99 for Kaila R. Sauer
• Refunds of $253.65 to Kerry Ann Remillard and $236.04 to Katherine M. Szuplat
• Retirement application from Pamela M. Locke effective 11/20/2021
• Review of October 2021 Payroll, Cash Disbursements, and Vendor Payment warrants
• Discussion of disability retirement application for Heather Ryan

Amesbury Housing Trust

The Amesbury Housing Trust is meeting to discuss a referral regarding a means-tested rental assistance program for senior citizens. The body will also review revisions to the North Shore HOME Consortium 2021 Action Plan.

• Council Ordinance 2021-107: Means-Tested Senior Citizen Rental Assistance Program
• North Shore HOME Consortium 2021 Action Plan funding revisions
• Housing Trust Account update

Retirement Board

The Board is meeting to process new member enrollments, retirement applications, and fund transfers. The body will also review monthly financial warrants and discuss a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) base increase.

• Retirement applications for Matthew C. Lavallee and Kathleen Morrill
• Refund requests for William Brown ($2,627.28) and Kevin M. Ward, Jr. ($20,137.81)
• Service liability request for Ruth Ann Early involving $8,228.38
• Annual reimbursement of $4,331.95 to Essex Regional Retirement Board for Susan Ycames
• Discussion of Pension Technology Group (PTG) Employee Self Service Portal

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing to consider a special permit request. The board will also review minutes from June 24 and August 26, 2021.

• Special permit request for Home Occupation at 25 High Street (Yori C. Thomas)

Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee

The Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee is meeting to review referrals regarding land conservation. The body will discuss an ordinance for a town forest conservation area and an order to conserve the area formerly known as the ‘Quinn Farm’.

• Review of maps for 2021-102: An Ordinance to Create a Town Forest Conservation Area
• Review of 2021-129: An Order to Conserve a Certain Area Formerly Known as the ‘Quinn Farm’
• Discussion of OSR 2021-22 Priorities

Amesbury Housing Trust

The Amesbury Housing Trust will meet to discuss updates to bylaws regarding inclusionary housing and in-law units. The body will also review a final plan for spending North Shore HOME Consortium funding.

• Bylaw updates for Inclusionary Housing and In-Law units
• Final plan for spending North Shore HOME Consortium funding
• Housing Trust Account update
• CDBG FY 21 Funding

Historical Commission

The meeting agenda consists of procedural boilerplate. No specific projects, ordinances, or decisions are listed for discussion.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings regarding two property requests. One request involves a poultry use permit at 5 Lake Avenue, and the other concerns extending or altering a nonconforming structure at 1 Amesbury Street.

• Special Permit/Finding for poultry use at 5 Lake Avenue
• Special Permit/Finding for extension/alteration of a pre-existing, nonconforming structure at 1 Amesbury Street

Retirement Board

The Board is reviewing several personnel actions including new member enrollments, retirement applications, and service transfers. Members will also discuss a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) base increase and review various financial warrants.

• New member enrollments for the Library, Fire Department, and School Department
• Refund/rollover request for Diane L. Stowe Cohn in the amount of $28,326.86
• Account transfer for Jesse T. Doumanain totaling $8,130.72
• Voluntary superannuation retirement application from Renee MacKinnon
• Discussion regarding Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) base increase

Amesbury Housing Trust

The Amesbury Housing Trust will review a presentation of findings from LDS Consulting. The body will also discuss the spending of North Shore HOME Consortium funding and the priority of maintaining housing units.

• Presentation of findings from LDS Consulting
• Discussion on spending North Shore HOME Consortium funding
• Review of CDBG FY 21 Funding
• Update on Housing Trust Account

Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee

The Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee is meeting to discuss a referral regarding a Town Forest Conservation Area ordinance. The body will also provide updates on the Amesbury 2030 Open Space and Recreation Summit and development permit criteria for protected land.

• Referral 2021-102: An Ordinance to Create a Town Forest Conservation Area
• Amesbury 2030 Open Space and Recreation Summit update
• Criteria and Methods for Permanently Protected Land Required as Part of a Development Permit
• Discussion of OSR 2021-22 Priorities

Retirement Board

The Board is meeting to process new member enrollments, retirement fund withdrawals, and service buybacks. The body will also review monthly financial warrants and various PERAC memorandums.

• Buyback payment of $10,809.98 from Richard D. Papa, Jr. for 2 years and 9 months of service
• Refund applications for Rick Foye ($2,979.93), Toby D. Haggett ($6,350.59), and Garrett S. Hopkins ($3,307.31)
• Annual reimbursement payments for retirees Susan Sawyer ($2,785.29), Terry Buttaro ($5,108.39), and Paula Hall ($590.71)
• State COLA reimbursement distribution of $11,832.19
• Approval of July 2021 Payroll, Cash Disbursements, and Vendor Payment Warrants

Retirement Board

The Board is reviewing new member enrollments, retirement applications, and service buybacks. Members will also review several monthly payroll, cash disbursement, and vendor payment warrants.

• New member enrollments for Amesbury Housing Authority, Library, Public Works, Water, Fire, and School departments
• Service buyback payment of $4,365.36 from Erin J. Burdick
• Voluntary Superannuation Retirement application from Sandra MacLean
• Transfer request from Framingham Retirement System for Kerri Ann Remillard
• Incoming wire transfer of $500,000.00 to the Amesbury Municipal Contributory Fund

Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee

The Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee is holding a special meeting featuring a presentation from the Essex County Greenbelt. Experts will discuss methods and funding sources for permanently preserving the city's rural landscape.

• Presentation on Conservation Options for Municipalities by Vanessa Johnson-Hall and Maggie Brown

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing to consider an appeal by Cathy J. DeLuca. The appeal concerns a determination by the Acting Building Commissioner regarding a required shared unlocked door for a newly created in-law dwelling.

• Appeal of Building Commissioner's determination for 20 Old Merrill Street (map 91, lot 12D)

Amesbury Housing Trust

The Amesbury Housing Trust is meeting to establish leadership and formalize its governing documents. The body will also review and prioritize housing ideas based on a voting process.

• Election of Chairperson
• Adopting the Declaration of Trust
• Housing Trust Account update
• Review and prioritization of housing ideas

Zoning Board of Appeals

The agenda provided is a meeting notice for the Zoning Board of Appeals. It contains no specific items for decision or discussion.

Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee

The Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee is meeting to discuss the conservation of city-owned land. Members will also review the 2020-21 Action Plan and criteria for protected land in development permits.

• Referral 2021-077: An Order to Conserve City-owned Parcels for Open Space and Recreational Use
• Trails Planning
• Town Forest & Woodsom Farm Protections
• Criteria and Methods for Permanently Protected Land Required as Part of a Development Permit

Retirement Board

The Retirement Board is meeting to process new member enrollments, retirement applications, and account transfers. The board will also review monthly financial warrants and a request to move $500,000 from the Pension Reserve Investment Trust Fund to cover June 2021 payroll and vendor payments.

• Request to transfer $500,000 from the Pension Reserve Investment Trust Fund for June 2021 payroll and vendor payments
• Transfer of $42,558.58 from the account of Thomas Barrasso to the Brookline Retirement System
• Retirement applications for James J. Dion (Water Department) and Helen M. Nadeau (School Department)
• Buybacks for David L. Clark ($4,518.52) and Lauren M. Tirone ($1,029.42)
• Enrollment of four new members from the Library, Council on Aging, Youth & Recreation, and Administration & Finance

Amesbury Housing Trust

The Amesbury Housing Trust will meet to elect a Chairperson and adopt the Declaration of Trust. The meeting also includes discussions on housing choice funding and project prioritization.

• Election of Chairperson
• Adoption of the Declaration of Trust
• Review of ideas and prioritization
• Housing Choice Funding

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will meet to review minutes and discuss new business. The primary agenda item involves a preservation restriction at 5 Sparhawk Street.

• Preservation Restriction — 5 Sparhawk Street

Retirement Board

The Retirement Board is meeting to process new member enrollments, retirement applications, and refund requests. The board will also discuss the membership eligibility of Heather Ryan and review monthly financial warrants.

• Request to transfer $500,000 from the Pension Reserve Investment Trust Fund for May 2021 payroll and vendor payments
• Transfer in from Cambridge Retirement System for Elizabeth Doucette in the amount of $103,065.84
• Refund applications for seven former employees, including a $19,605.06 refund for Diane L. Flaherty
• Retirement applications for Sarah B. Seamans and Susan L. O’Hala
• Discussion regarding Heather Ryan's membership in OBRA versus the Amesbury Retirement System

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing regarding a special permit request. David and Leslie Ishihara are seeking to construct an in-law apartment within their existing structure.

• Special permit/finding for an in-law apartment at 15 Olde Taverne Lane

Amesbury Housing Trust

The Amesbury Housing Trust will meet to discuss a physical tour of affordable housing in the city. The body will also receive communications regarding a City Council Order and the CHAPA Fair Housing Symposium.

• Discussion of a physical tour of Amesbury’s affordable housing
• Communication regarding City Council Order first reading on April 13th
• Communication regarding CHAPA Fair Housing Symposium on April 29th

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will meet to conduct a public hearing regarding a demolition review package. The discussion focuses on the All Saints Anglican Church located at 67-71 Friend Street.

• Public hearing for demolition review package at 67-71 Friend Street (All Saints Anglican Church)

Retirement Board

The Amesbury Retirement Board is meeting to process new member enrollments, buybacks, and retirement applications. The board will also review monthly financial warrants and a request to transfer $500,000 from the PRIT fund for April 2021 payments.

• Request to transfer $500,000 from the Pension Reserve Investment Trust Fund (PRIT) for April 2021 payroll and vendor payments
• Transfer in from Lexington Retirement System for Todd C. Laramie in the amount of $22,355.05
• Refund/rollover application for Katrina M. Waugh (Rioux) in the amount of $7,575.84
• Retirement applications from Theodore P. Stanwood, Marjorie A. Walker, and Catherine Coco
• Discussion of service credit and interest repayment waivers for David L. Clark and Lauren M. Tirone

Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee

The Open Space, Natural Resources and Trail Committee and the Lakes and Waterways Committee are holding a joint meeting. The body will discuss access options and alternatives for Lake Gardner and review committee feedback on proposed options.

• Lake Gardner Access Options and Alternative

Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee

The Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee will hear a presentation regarding the Notice of Intent (NOI) for Lake Gardner Beach. Members will also discuss the OSR 2020-21 Action Plan and the inventory of city-owned parcels.

• City of Amesbury NOI for Lake Gardner Beach presentation by Rob Desmarais, DPW
• OSR 2020-21 Action Plan updates on trails planning and Town Forest & Woodsom Farm protections
• Conservation Commission Inventory of City-Owned Parcels
• Criteria and methods for permanently protected land for development permits

Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee

The committee is discussing modifications to Lake Gardner Beach to address overcrowding and facility degradation. The primary proposal is to implement a paid parking kiosk to manage the number of visitors and generate revenue for improvements.

• Proposal to install a parking kiosk with an initial cost of $10,904
• Alternative parking lot gate option estimated at $35,705
• Proposed parking fee of $1 per hour
• Estimated seasonal expenses including $32,000 for lifeguards and a beach director
• Estimated $5,000 seasonal cost for port-o-potties

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals is holding a continued public hearing regarding a property in the R20 zoning district. The board will consider a request to allow the construction of a garage.

• Special permit request for a 1 4 story, two-car garage at 374 Main Street

Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee

The Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee is meeting to discuss land protections and planning. The agenda includes a grant application for Deer Island and a joint meeting regarding Lake Gardner Beach.

• Essex National Heritage Area Grant Application for Deer Island
• Joint meeting on Lake Gardner Beach management scheduled for March 29, 2021
• Referral 2021-042: Ordinance to amend Amesbury Zoning Bylaws
• OSR 2020-21 Action Plan including Sherwood trails planning
• Conservation Commission Inventory of City-Owned Parcels

Amesbury Housing Trust

The Amesbury Housing Trust will meet to discuss a council ordinance and provide a funding update. The body will also review and prioritize potential trust activities based on the Housing Production Plan.

• Council Ordinance for Housing Trust
• Housing Trust funding update
• Housing Production Plan reactions
• Review and prioritization of Trust Activities

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Amesbury Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing to review a special permit request. The board will determine if a property owner may build a specific structure in an R20 zoning district.

• Special permit request for a 1 4 story, two-car garage at 374 Main Street

Retirement Board

The Amesbury Retirement Board is meeting to process member enrollments, refunds, and account transfers. The board is reviewing monthly financial warrants and a request to move funds from the Pension Reserve Investment Trust to cover upcoming costs.

• Proposed transfer of $500,000 from the Pension Reserve Investment Trust (PRIT) for March 2021 payroll and vendor payments
• Account transfer request for Angelo P. Salamone in the amount of $10,738.63
• Refund application for Meghan E. McCabe in the amount of $1,985.70
• Renewal of MACRS Fiduciary and Fidelity Insurance coverage for $4,816.00
• Review of February 2021 Payroll, Cash Disbursements, and Vendor Payment Warrants

Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee

The Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee will review updates on the Carriagetown Connector and a grant application for Deer Island. The body will also discuss the 2020-21 Action Plan and criteria for protected land in development permits.

• Carriagetown Connector update
• Essex National Heritage Area Grant Application for Deer Island
• Trails Planning for Sherwood
• Town Forest and Woodsom Farm protections
• Conservation Commission inventory of city-owned parcels

Non-City Boards and Committees

The MVMPO is holding two virtual public hearings to gather comments on draft amendments #8 through #15 to the FFYs 2021-2025 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). This document programs federal transportation funding for road and transit projects in the region.

• Draft Amendments #8 to #15 to the FFYs 2021-2025 MVMPO Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)

Non-City Boards and Committees

The Planning/Career Center Committee is meeting to review performance and budget updates as of January 31, 2021. The body will also discuss the competitive selection of a Career Center operator.

• Budget update as of January 31, 2021
• Performance summary as of January 31, 2021
• Update on competitive selection of Career Center operator

Retirement Board

The Amesbury Retirement Board will meet to vote on an annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase. If approved, the increase would be effective July 1, 2021.

• Vote on annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase

Non-City Boards and Committees

This meeting is scheduled for the Essex County Commission to discuss various matters. The provided agenda text contains illegible characters and does not list specific topics or decisions.

Non-City Boards and Committees

The Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss FY21 budget updates and district restructuring. The board will also vote on a one-year wage scale step increase for Jake Greaney.

• Vote on Jake Greaney’s one-year wage scale step increase
• FY21 budget updates
• Discussion on District restructuring
• Approval of December 17, 2020 meeting minutes

Amesbury Housing Trust

The Amesbury Housing Trust is meeting to review the overview and structure of housing trusts and local statistics. The body will discuss next steps, including the election of officers and the identification of priorities and a strategic plan.

• Overview of Housing Trusts
• Amesbury Statistics
• Structure of Trust per bylaws
• Election of officers
• Discussion of strategic plan and priorities

Non-City Boards and Committees

The Board of Trustees will hold a public meeting via Zoom. The agenda includes a Director's report and committee reports.

• Director’s Report
• Committee Reports
• Public Comment

Non-City Boards and Committees

The River Valley Charter School Board of Trustees Development Committee is meeting via Zoom. The committee will review development goals and the progress made toward them.

• Review of development goals and progress

Non-City Boards and Committees

The River Valley Charter School Board of Trustees Finance Committee will meet via Zoom. The committee is scheduled to review financial statements and balances.

• Review of financial statements and balances

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission is meeting to discuss demolition applications for four specific properties. The body will also receive an update regarding 392 Main Street.

• Demolition Application – 374 Main Street
• Demolition Application – All Saints Anglican Church
• Demolition Application – 4 Cushing Street
• Demolition Application – 65 Market Street
• Update on 392 Main Street

Non-City Boards and Committees

The River Valley Charter School Development Committee is meeting via Zoom to discuss development goals and progress. This meeting is open for public observation and limited comment.

• Review of development goals and progress

Non-City Boards and Committees

The River Valley Charter School Board of Trustees will meet via Zoom to discuss organizational matters. The session focuses on reviewing a retreat and ongoing goals.

• Review of retreat
• Discussion of ongoing goals

Non-City Boards and Committees

The River Valley Charter School Board of Trustees Executive Committee will meet via Zoom. The committee will review the Director’s Report and set the agenda for the upcoming Board of Trustees meeting.

• Review of Director’s Report
• Setting the agenda for the next Board of Trustees meeting

Non-City Boards and Committees

The River Valley Charter School Board of Trustees will hold an Accountability Committee meeting via Zoom. The committee is scheduled to review accountability goals and progress.

• Review of accountability goals and progress

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings regarding two special permit requests. The board will review proposals to change the use of a residence and modify an existing structure.

• Special permit request for 27 River Street to convert a single-family house to a two-family house
• Special permit request for 10 Garfield Street to modify, alter, and extend a pre-existing non-conforming structure

Non-City Boards and Committees

The Merrimack Valley MPO is reviewing the status of ongoing roadway, bridge, and transit projects. The meeting includes discussion on proposed amendments to add MVRTA transit projects to the 2021 TIP and a presentation on MassDOT safety performance measure targets.

• Proposed amendments to add Section 5339-Funded MVRTA Transit Projects to FFYs 2021 TIP
• Status updates on FFYs 2021-2025 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) roadway and bridge projects
• Discussion of MassDOT’s Safety Performance Measure Targets
• Development schedule for the FFYs 2022-2026 TIP and FFY 2022 Unified Planning Work Program

Retirement Board

The Board is meeting to process new member enrollments, retirement applications, and service transfers. Members will also review and approve payroll, disbursement, and vendor payment warrants for January 2021.

• Transfer from Haverhill Retirement System for Andrew P. Lasonde in the amount of $43,662.65
• Retirement application from Michael McBride of the Amesbury Housing Authority
• Annual reimbursement of $11,153.50 to Essex Regional Retirement System for Robert Roy
• Review of January 2021 Payroll, Cash Disbursements, and Vendor Payment Warrants
• Review of 2020 End of Year Budget

Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee

The Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee is reviewing updates to its action plan. Discussion includes land protections, a trails master plan, and potential new project concepts.

• Right of First Refusal Policy update
• Town Forest and Woodsom Farm Protections
• Wodsom Farm Management Plan
• Carriagetown Connector MA DOT Design Application review
• Essex National Heritage Area Grant: Accessible Trail on Po Hill

Non-City Boards and Committees

The commission will conduct its monthly meeting via virtual Go To Meeting. The agenda includes the adoption of previous minutes and a report from the Director.

• Authorization of hiring Ian Burns as Targeted Economic Development Specialist (TEDS)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings to consider two special permit requests. Both applications involve converting existing residential structures into multi-unit dwellings.

• Special permit request for 20 Old Merrill Street to convert an attached garage to an in-law apartment
• Special permit request for 30 South Martin Road to convert a single family dwelling into a two family dwelling