Amesbury public meetings in 2025

Board of Assessors

The Amesbury Board of Assessors will meet to approve minutes, review motor vehicle and personal property tax commitments, and sign uncollectible tax lists from 2017 to 2019. The body will also review and sign real estate abatement packets and exemption applications.

• Review uncollectible motor vehicle tax lists (2017-2018)
• Review uncollectible personal property tax lists (2018-2019)
• Review motor vehicle commitment book (2025-6)
• Review motor vehicle excise tax abatements (12/01/2025-12/30/2025)
• Review and sign real estate abatement packet

The Board approved the November 25, 2025 meeting minutes. It accepted uncollectable excise tax abatements for motor vehicles (2017‑2018) and personal property (2018‑2019). It also approved the 2025 motor vehicle commitment book, the 2026 water, sewer, real‑estate and personal‑property warrants, and the motor vehicle abatement reports for December 2025. The Board entered executive session to review non‑public records.

• Approved November 25, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted motor vehicle uncollectable excise tax abatements for 2017‑2018 (unanimous)
• Accepted personal property uncollectable tax abatements for 2018‑2019 (unanimous)
• Accepted the 2025 motor vehicle commitment book (unanimous)
• Accepted 2026 water, sewer, real‑estate and personal‑property warrants (unanimous)
• Accepted motor vehicle excise abatement reports for Dec 1‑30, 2025 (unanimous)
• Entered executive session to discuss non‑public records (motion passed unanimously)

Cultural Council

The Amesbury Poet Laureate Support Committee will interview three applicants for the city poet laureate position. After the interviews, members will vote by written ballot and announce the selected poet laureate. The meeting also includes routine items such as appointing a note‑taker and a period for public comment.

• Appoint someone to take notes
• Interview three poet laureate applicants
• Vote for new poet laureate by written ballot
• Announce the new poet laureate
• Public comment period

Planning Board

The Amesbury Planning Board will hold a new public hearing on the site plan and special permit for 5 and 13 School Street on December 22, 2025. It will also continue public hearings for several existing projects, including the Rocky Hill Development at 287.5 Elm Street and sites at 45 Main Street, 29 Lake Attitash Road, and others. Administrative business such as a Master Plan update, covenants and bonds, and contract matters will be discussed.

• Continued public hearing – 287.5 Elm Street (Rocky Hill Development), PH 9-22-25
• Continued public hearing – 45 Main Street, PH 11-3-25
• Continued public hearing – 29 Lake Attitash Road, PH 11-3-25
• New public hearing – 5 and 13 School Street, PH 12-22-25 (site plan and special permit)
• Administrative items – Master Plan Update, Covenants and Bonds, Contracts, Bills, and Invoices

The Amesbury Planning Board approved several motions to continue public hearings for projects to future dates, including Rocky Hill Development, 45 Main Street, 29 Lake Attitash Road, and 47 Macy St. It also passed a motion to take the 47 Macy St. application out of order and directed staff to draft a decision on the 45 Main Street project addressing parking and roof‑height concerns.

• Continue Rocky Hill Development hearing to Jan 26, 2026 (7-0)
• Take 47 Macy St. out of order (7-0)
• Continue 45 Main Street hearing to Jan 12, 2026 (6-0)
• Ask staff to draft decision for Jan 12, 2026 on parking and roof issues (6-0)
• Continue 29 Lake Attitash Road hearing to Jan 26, 2025 (7-0)
• Continue 47 Macy St. hearing to Jan 26, 2025 (7-0)

School Committee

The committee will approve the minutes from the previous meeting. They will receive updates on school matters and the holiday Giving Tree program. An update on the superintendent search will be provided, and the final draft of the School Improvement Plan will be reviewed. The council will also plan the agenda for the next meeting on February 2, 2026.

• Approval of previous meeting minutes
• Superintendent search update
• Review of final draft of School Improvement Plan
• Discussion of holiday Giving Tree program
• Planning agenda for next meeting

Retirement Board

The Amesbury Retirement Board will review and approve the December 2025 payroll, cash disbursement and vendor payment warrants, as well as several PRIT reports and bank reconciliations. It will also consider member enrollment changes, buyback and refund requests, and retirement applications. The board will confirm a $750,000 wire transfer to PRIT and discuss upcoming actuarial RFPs.

• Confirmation of $750,000 wire transfer to PRIT (December 1, 2025)
• Review and approval of December 2025 Payroll Warrant
• Review and approval of December 2025 Vendor Payment Warrant
• Buyback request for Gail M. Fusco with creditable service amounting to $15,232.54
• Retirement applications: Kevin Mulrenin (Police) and Barbara Lyons Manson (School) effective February 2026

Non-City Boards and Committees

The Essex County Commission on the Status of Women will hold a virtual meeting to address several open and new issues. Items include a reminder to complete the policy manual acknowledgment form, onboarding of a new commissioner, and presentation of legislative advocacy testimony on board parity. The commission will also consider a leave of absence request from Commissioner McDermott, which requires a full commission vote. Additional topics cover upcoming officer elections, grant deadlines, and scheduled training sessions.

• Reminder: policy manual acknowledgment form required
• New commissioner onboarding
• Legislative advocacy testimony on parity on boards and virtual public meetings
• Vote on Commissioner McDermott’s leave of absence request (attendance requirement 75%)
• Officer elections to be scheduled; creation of job descriptions suggested

Non-City Boards and Committees

The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission will hold a hybrid meeting on Dec. 18, 2025. The agenda includes adopting the November 20, 2025 meeting minutes, reviewing contracts, and a presentation by Kurt Gaertner on the state's Integrated Land Use Strategy. Additional items are informational updates on the commission's bylaws, emergency protocols, and local/regional news.

• Adopt November 20, 2025 meeting minutes
• Review contracts (details not specified)
• Guest speaker Kurt Gaertner presents the Massachusetts Integrated Land Use Strategy (MILUS)
• Informational update on MVPC bylaws and emergency‑matter protocol
• Local and regional news updates

School Committee

The agenda contains only the meeting notice and procedural headings. No specific topics, resolutions, or contracts are listed for discussion. The document provides the location, date, and legal citation but no substantive items.

Community Preservation Committee

The committee is meeting to handle administrative tasks and discuss the schedule for the Community Preservation Plan. The body will also set its meeting dates and agendas for the first quarter of 2026.

• Election of Co-Chairperson
• Discussion of Community Preservation Plan schedule
• Scheduling of first quarter 2026 meetings

Technical Review Committee

The Amesbury Technical Review Committee will discuss the presentation for the project at 27 Kimball Road. The committee will also set the schedule for meetings in 2026 and approve the minutes from the October 15, 2025 meeting. General communications will be addressed as part of the agenda.

• Review presentation for 27 Kimball Road
• Adopt 2026 meeting schedule
• Approve minutes from October 15, 2025

Health Care Trust Commission

The agenda provided consists of illegible or corrupted text. It is not possible to determine the specific items being decided or discussed.

School Committee

The Amesbury School Committee's Superintendent Screening Committee will meet in an executive session. The session is called under M.G.L. c. 30A, Section 21(a)(8) to consider applicants for the superintendent of schools. The chair determined that an open meeting would be detrimental to obtaining qualified applicants. The committee will not reconvene in open session.

• Executive session to review applicants for superintendent of schools (per M.G.L. c.30A §21(a)(8))

Amesbury Housing Authority

The Amesbury Housing Authority will consider routine items such as approval of minutes from prior meetings and vendor ACH payments for October and November 2025. The board will vote on a Certified Financial Assistance award of $1,188,717.00. Additional agenda items include insurance program participation, vacancy and pest reports, HUD Housing Choice Voucher updates, and capital‑improvement project updates.

• Approval of Certified Financial Assistance for $1,188,717.00
• Vendor ACH payment for October 2025
• Vendor ACH payment for November 2025
• Approval of Massachusetts State‑Aided Property Insurance Program Participation Agreement
• Capital Improvement updates (e.g., ARPA fire alarm system #007098, exterior concrete stairs at Heritage Vale #007099)

Design Review Committee

The Amesbury Design Review Committee meeting on Dec. 16, 2025 will review multiple applications. Items include a sign proposal for 19 S Hunt (Hiller Sign) and site plan reviews for 27.5‑29 Clarks Road, 9 and 9#RR Oakland Street, and 45 Main Street, each with historic preservation special permits where noted. The committee will also address any continued applications and take public comments.

• Review of 19 S Hunt – Hiller Sign
• Review of site plan for 27.5‑29 Clarks Road
• Review of site plan and historic preservation special permit for 9 and 9#RR Oakland Street
• Review of site plan and historic preservation special permit for 45 Main Street
• Discussion of continued applications

Board of Health

The Amesbury Board of Health will receive updates from the health department staff, including an infectious disease briefing (MAVEN). The board will discuss current resources and trends related to food insecurity and will hold a discussion on the upcoming flu season. Meeting dates for the 2026 Board of Health sessions will also be set.

• Infectious disease update (MAVEN)
• Discussion of food insecurity resources and trends
• Discussion of flu season
• Updates presented by Director of Inspectional Services and health staff
• Setting of Board of Health meeting dates for 2026

The Board of Health voted to maintain its monthly meeting schedule. The September 16, 2025 meeting minutes were not approved and will be voted on at the next meeting. A motion to adjourn the meeting was adopted at 7:54 PM.

• Maintain monthly Board of Health meeting schedule (decision)
• Did not approve September 16, 2025 meeting minutes; vote deferred to next meeting
• Motion to adjourn adopted at 7:54 PM

Liquor License Commission

The Amesbury Liquor License Commission will consider several items at its meeting on December 16, 2025. Commissioners will vote on an amended license application submitted by 14 Merrimac Street, LLC for a new liquor license. They will also vote to adopt the Section 12d license conversion approved by City Council Bill 2025-098 and to approve the 2026 renewal packets for all annual licensees. The agenda also includes routine items such as approval of the November 18, 2025 minutes and setting the next meeting date.

• Amended license application for new license – 14 Merrimac Street, LLC (vote expected)
• Adopt Section 12d license conversion per City Council Bill 2025-098 (vote expected)
• Review and vote on 2026 renewals for all annual licensees (vote expected)
• One‑day license fees communication
• Public comment period

School Committee

The Amesbury School Committee Finance & Facilities Subcommittee will approve the November 3, 2025 minutes, receive updates on facilities and finance, review the budget calendar, and discuss the FY27 budget and related financial items.

• Approval of November 3, 2025 subcommittee minutes
• Facilities update
• Finance update
• Budget calendar review
• FY27 budget discussion

School Committee

The Amesbury School Committee will discuss the Amesbury Innovation High School and vote on the superintendent's goals. The meeting will be held at the Amesbury High School Library on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 7 p.m.

• Discussion of Amesbury Innovation High School (vote possible)
• Approval of Superintendent's Goals (vote possible)
• MCAS Report presented by the Director of Teaching, Learning, and Equity

Library Board of Trustees

The Library Board of Trustee Director Eval Subcommittee is meeting to review the evaluation of the Director. This is a targeted session focused on personnel assessment.

• Review of Director Evaluation

The Board met on Dec. 15, 2025 at the Cultural Center. The agenda included a call to order, a review of the Library Director’s 360‑degree evaluation, and adjournment. No actions were approved, denied, or tabled.

Energy Committee

The Energy, Environment & Sustainability Committee will meet to approve previous minutes and address existing business. The primary discussion item involves coordinating a request for a School Committee member to attend a meeting.

• Request for School Committee Member attendance

School Committee

The Amesbury School Committee will consider finalizing its long‑range plan to attract and retain students in the district and to create an endowment fund. It will also review feedback and any revisions to the task force’s final report. No other agenda items are listed.

• Finalize plans for attracting and retaining students in APS
• Establish an endowment fund for APS
• Review feedback and revisions to the Long‑range Planning Task Force final report

Non-City Boards and Committees

The Merrick Valley MPO will consider a consent agenda that includes approving the FY2026 UPWP Amendment #1 and releasing the FY2026‑2030 TIP Amendment #2, which covers the 114 T Ewksbury Street Bridge and other discretionary awards. The board will also review the Beach Road Connector scope of work for Salisbury, a letter requesting additional guidance on statewide projects, and an overview of the Federal Aid Design Seed (FADS) program application. Status updates on ongoing TIP projects for transit and highway improvements will be provided.

• Approve FY2026 UPWP Amendment #1
• Release FY2026‑2030 TIP Amendment #2 (including 114 T Ewksbury Street Bridge and other discretionary awards)
• Review Beach Road Connector Scope of Work – Salisbury
• Review Letter for Additional Guidance on Statewide Projects
• Overview of Federal Aid Design Seed (FADS) Program Application

Amesbury Housing Trust

The Amesbury Housing Trust will review reports on rental programs and the Emergency Rehab Note Program. The body will discuss housing development support for a comprehensive permit at 276-280 Main Street. Members may also appoint a Secretary and Treasurer.

• Housing development support discussion for 276-280 Main Street
• Update on Emergency Rehab Note Program
• CDBG audit status update
• Update on Subsidized Rental Programs
• Possible appointment of Secretary and Treasurer

School Committee

The Amesbury School Committee will meet to receive orientation and training for the Screening Committee. The session is facilitated by NESDEC consultant Mary Malone.

• Screening Committee orientation and training
• Facilitated by Mary Malone, NESDEC consultant

Library Board of Trustees

The Amesbury Public Library Board will consider its FY27‑29 strategic plan update, provide a budget report, and give updates on facilities including a window restoration and a birch tree. New business includes a vote on the AHS Promenade request and discussions of the Community Information Board and Museum Pass policies.

• AHS Promenade request and vote
• Community Information Board Policy discussion and review
• Museum Pass Policy discussion and review
• Window restoration project update
• Birch tree update

City Council

The Amesbury City Council will vote on second readings for labor contracts with AFSCME and the Firefighters Union, as well as a budget transfer for OPEIU. The body will also consider altering Kimball Road and accepting a conservation parcel.

• Authorize $201,710.49 for Firefighters Local 1783 contract
• Authorize $12,600 grant from Massachusetts Cultural Council
• Alter Kimball Road layout and accept Parcel Y
• Vote on annual property tax classification
• Transfer $120,416.38 to OPEIU Local 6 salaries

The council approved several budget‑related orders, including the employment agreement with the International Association of Firefighters and a $120,416.38 transfer from the FY26 salary reserve. It also approved the city’s agreements with AFSCME and the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and withdrew three pending quitclaim deed orders. In the classification hearing, the council adopted factor 1 and rejected open‑space, residential, and commercial tax exemptions. All motions were adopted by unanimous or recorded votes as noted.

• Approved 2025-114 employment agreement with AFSCME (7-0)
• Approved 2025-115 grant acceptance from Massachusetts Cultural Council (7-0)
• Withdrew 2025-121, 2025-122, and 2025-123 quitclaim deed orders (7-0)
• Approved 2025-125 firefighters employment agreement (7-0)
• Approved 2025-126 transfer of $120,416.38 from salary reserve (5-0)
• Adopted Factor 1 for classification hearing (6-0)
• Adopted no open space discount for tax classification (6-0)
• Adopted no residential exemption for tax classification (6-0)

School Committee

The Curriculum and Inclusion Subcommittee will discuss the nominees for the Spotlight program, review upcoming presentations, and consider any other business raised by the chair.

• Discuss Spotlight nominees
• Discuss upcoming presentations
• Other business not anticipated by the chair

School Committee

The Policy-Personnel Subcommittee will discuss proposed changes to policies regarding building access, vandalism, and school visitors. The committee will also review potential updates to meal modifications and parent advisory councils, and evaluate the Superintendent's goals.

• Proposed changes to ECAB (Access to Buildings and Grounds) and ECAC (Vandalism) policies
• Proposed changes to KI (Visitors to the Schools) policy
• Potential changes to EFBA (School Food and Nutrition – Meal Modifications)
• Potential changes to KBG (Parent Advisory Councils)
• Review and approval of Superintendent's goals

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will meet to handle administrative tasks and select reviewers for specific projects. The body is discussing the use of AI as an aid for review and hazardous tree removal.

• Selection of peer reviewer for NOI 002-1356 394 Transmission Line and B154/C155 King Street Tap Line
• Selection of environmental monitor for 0 and 14 Mill Street (Administrative 002-1355)
• Review of Hazardous Tree Removal Form
• Administrative EO Amesbury DPW regarding filling in the wetland
• Discussion on using AI as an aid for review

Cultural Council

The Amesbury Cultural Council will meet to review financial reports, vote on reimbursements and equipment purchases, and deliberate on 2026 grant applications. The meeting will also include a debrief on Open Studios 2025 and a report from the Poet Laureate.

• Vote to reimburse Sally Nutt for Open Studio expenses
• Vote to purchase equipment for ACC closet at Cultural Center
• Deliberation and voting on 2026 grants
• Open Studios 2025 debrief
• Poet Laureate Report

Planning Board

The Planning Board will conduct new and continued public hearings regarding several property developments. The board will also address administrative items including a Master Plan update and bond reductions.

• New public hearing for a special permit at 6 Cedar Court
• New public hearing for a site plan at 47 Macy Street
• Continued public hearing for a site plan at 27.5 and 29 Clarks Road
• Continued public hearing for a definitive subdivision and special permit at 102 Kimball Road
• Erosion control bond reductions for Bailey’s Pond and 24 S Hunt Rd

The Board voted to send a positive recommendation for Bill 2025‑121, which accepts open space from the Kimball Road subdivision, to the City Council. The motion passed unanimously with a 6‑0 vote. Bills 2025‑122 and 2025‑123, which also involve the Kimball Road subdivision, will be reintroduced in the next legislative session because they require a public hearing. No other substantive decisions were made at this meeting.

• Approved sending positive recommendation for Bill 2025‑121 to City Council (6‑0)
• Planned reintroduction of Bills 2025‑122 and 2025‑123 in next session (no vote required)

Technical Review Committee

The Technical Review Committee will meet to hear application presentations and conduct administrative reviews for several local addresses. The committee will also establish the 2026 meeting schedule and approve previous minutes.

• Application presentations for 45 Main Street
• Application presentations for 5 and 9 School Street
• Administrative review for 47 Macy Street
• Administrative review for 6 Cedar Court
• Establishment of 2026 Meeting Schedule

The Technical Review Committee approved the minutes from the September 17 and October 1 meetings by unanimous vote. No formal decisions were made on the development applications discussed. The committee then adjourned the meeting at 10:40 a.m. by unanimous vote.

• Approved minutes from 9-17-25 and 10-1-25 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:40 am (unanimous)

School Committee

The Amesbury School Committee will continue developing strategies to attract and retain students in the Amesbury Public Schools. The committee may also review proposals for creating an endowment fund for the district.

• Develop approaches to attract and retain students in APS
• Review plans for establishing an endowment fund for APS

Cultural Council

The Amesbury Cultural Council meeting will review its previous minutes, receive a financial update, and assign officer roles. It will discuss the National Poetry Month flatbread fundraiser and the status of the Whittier Home liaison. The primary decision will be interviews of Poet Laureate applicants followed by a vote to appoint a new Poet Laureate. The council will also plan the inauguration ceremony at the Amesbury Public Library.

• Approve minutes of the previous meeting
• Current financial status update
• Assign secretary and treasurer roles
• Flatbread fundraiser update for National Poetry Month
• Interview Poet Laureate applicants and vote to select a new Poet Laureate

Non-City Boards and Committees

The Essex County Commission on the Status of Women will hold a virtual meeting to review applications and vote on recommendations to fill three open commissioner seats. The meeting will be conducted via Zoom.

• Review of Commissioner Application for Succession Planning
• Vote on recommendations to Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women for three open seats
• Meeting via Zoom on December 4, 2025 at 6:00 PM

Planning and Development Subcommittee

The Amesbury City Council will vote to accept a quitclaim deed for a conservation parcel at 47.5-57 Kimball Road and alter the layout of Kimball Road. The meeting will also include approval of minutes and public comment.

• Acceptance of quitclaim deed for 47.5-57 Kimball Road Subdivision
• Vote to alter Kimball Road layout and accept Parcel Y
• Approval of Planning and Development Committee minutes
• Public comment period
• Mayor to execute deed on behalf of the City

Technical Review Committee

The Technical Review Committee will hold application presentations for two properties and administrative reviews for two others. The committee will also establish the 2026 meeting schedule and approve previous minutes.

• Application presentation: 45 Main Street
• Application presentation: 5 and 9 School Street
• Administrative review: 47 Macy Street
• Administrative review: 6 Cedar Court
• Establishment of 2026 Meeting Schedule

Budget and Finance Subcommittee

The Budget & Finance Committee will review orders to fund a municipal employee agreement and a grant for the Cultural Council. The body will also discuss a budget transfer for sewer services and the annual Classification Hearing for property tax burdens.

• Order 2025-114: Funding for AFSCME Council 93, Local 939 employment agreement (July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028)
• Order 2025-115: Acceptance of $12,600.00 grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council for FY 2026
• Order 2025-116: Transfer of $98,042 from Sewer Other Expenses to Sewer Personal Services
• Order 2025-124: Request to hold the annual Classification Hearing to establish property tax burdens

City Council

The council will consider several budget orders, including a $98,042 transfer to Sewer Personal Services and a $120,416.38 transfer to departmental salary accounts. Council members will vote on the annual Classification Hearing to set the residential tax factor. A $201,710.49 transfer from the FY26 Salary Reserve to the Fire Department Personal Services will fund the IAFF Local 1783 labor contract. All items are slated for public hearing or vote at the special meeting.

• Transfer $98,042 from Sewer Other Expenses to Sewer Personal Services (order 2025-116)
• Vote on the annual Classification Hearing to establish residential tax factor (order 2025-124)
• Transfer $201,710.49 from FY26 Salary Reserve to Fire Department Personal Services for IAFF Local 1783 contract (order 2025-125)
• Transfer $120,416.38 from FY26 Salary Reserve to Departmental Salaries & Wages for OPEIU Local 6 contract and 2% cost‑of‑living adjustments (order 2025-126)

The City Council unanimously approved Order 2025-116, moving $98,042 from Sewer Other Expenses to Sewer Personal Services and cutting cemetery lot sale revenue by $3,000. It also adopted a factor of 1.00 and rejected all open‑space, residential, and commercial exemptions for the upcoming property‑tax classification. Order 2025-124 establishing tax burdens was approved, rule 5D was waived, and Order 2025-125 was sent to the Budget and Finance Committee for a second reading on Dec 9.

• Approved Order 2025-116 transferring $98,042 and reducing cemetery lot revenue $3,000 (8-0)
• Adopted factor of 1.00 for property‑tax classification (8-0)
• Adopted no Open Space Discount (8-0)
• Adopted no Residential Exemption (8-0)
• Adopted no Commercial Exemption (8-0)
• Approved Order 2025-124 to set tax burdens for each property class (8-0)
• Waived rule 5D (8-0)
• Referred Order 2025-125 to Budget and Finance Committee for second reading Dec 9 (8-0)

Ordinance and Administration Committee

The Ordinance and Administration Committee will discuss the acceptance of a quitclaim deed for land at the 47.5-57 Kimball Road subdivision. The body will also consider voting to alter the layout of Kimball Road and accept Parcel Y.

• Acceptance of a Quitclaim Deed for land at 47.5-57 Kimball Road for the Conservation Commission
• Vote on intent to alter Kimball Road and referral to the Planning Board
• Order to alter the layout of Kimball Road and accept Parcel Y

School Committee

The Amesbury School Committee will consider several items, including a vote on the AHS graduation determination, an innovation lease discussion, approval of South Hampton tuition, and a vote to approve student transfers totaling $255,392. Reports from the superintendent, student advisory council, and other updates will be presented. A consent agenda will cover minutes, multiple warrants, and recent donations.

• AHS Graduation Determination (vote possible)
• Innovation Lease Discussion (vote possible)
• Approval of South Hampton Tuition (vote expected)
• Approval of student transfers in the amount of $255,392.00 (vote expected)
• Warrants: Oct 17 $645,471.81; Oct 31 $702,975.22; Nov 13 $678,893.69; Nov 14 $651,431.67

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will consider several items, including a local ordinance for a single‑family home at 6 Lake Attitash Way, a wetland delineation at 131 Haverhill Road, and a vote on the peer reviewer for a Massachusetts Power Company transmission line right‑of‑way at 394 AND B154/C155 TAP. The commission will also review requests for certificates of compliance for properties such as 130 Market Street and 14 Lake Attitash Road, and handle administrative matters like draft minutes and invoices.

• Vote on peer reviewer for Massachusetts Power Company transmission line ROW (394 AND B154/C155 TAP)
• Local ordinance for 6 Lake Attitash Way single‑family home
• Wetland delineation at 131 Haverhill Road
• Certificate of compliance request for 130 Market Street
• Emergency certification for 14 Lake Attitash Road

The Amesbury Conservation Commission approved accepting the open‑space parcel at 47.5‑57 Kimball Road. It also approved a waiver of the 50‑foot no‑build setback and the related project for 61 Lake Attitash Way, and continued several pending items. Additional actions included approving a certificate of compliance for 130 Market Street and ratifying an emergency tree removal certification for 14 Lake Attitash Road.

• Approved waiver of 50’ no‑build setback for 61 Lake Attitash Way (6‑0‑1)
• Approved NOI ACC-25-1 61 Lake Attitash Way (5‑1‑1)
• Continued ANRAD 002-1350 131 Haverhill Road to Jan 5 2026 (7‑0)
• Continued NOI 002-1356 394 & B154/C155 TAP Transmission Line ROW to Dec 9 2026 (7‑0)
• Approved Certificate of Compliance for 130 Market Street (7‑0)
• Continued 002-1355 0 & 14 Mill Street to Dec 9 2025 (7‑0)
• Ratified Emergency Certification for 14 Lake Attitash Road (7‑0)
• Accepted open‑space parcel at 47.5‑57 Kimball Road (7‑0)

Board of Assessors

The Amesbury Board of Assessors will meet on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 5:30 PM in City Hall Auditorium. The agenda includes routine approvals such as the October 7 open meeting minutes and motor vehicle excise tax abatements, as well as review and decision on exemption applications and chapter land applications. The board will also discuss ATB cases at 42 Lake Attitash Road, 16 Oak Circle, and 55 Congress Street. Public comment is permitted before adjournment.

• Approval of open meeting minutes from October 7, 2025
• Review and sign Motor Vehicle Commitment Book (2025‑5)
• Review and sign Motor Vehicle Excise Tax abatements for Oct‑Nov 2025
• Review and approve or deny exemption applications
• Discuss ATB cases at 42 Lake Attitash Road, 16 Oak Circle, 55 Congress Street

School Committee

The Amesbury Innovation High School School Committee will review the meeting minutes and provide updates on several topics. Items include new council members, new staff, the Innovation Renewal initiative, building matters, and the success of the certification program.

• Review of meeting minutes
• Update on new council members
• Update on new staff
• Update on Innovation Renewal
• Update on building

Planning Board

The Amesbury Planning Board meeting will include a public comment period and continued public hearings for several development projects. Hearings are scheduled for 102 Kimball Rd. (subdivision and special permit), 6 Lake Attitash Way (special permit), and 9 and 9#RR Oakland St (site plan and special permit). Administrative agenda items cover erosion‑control bond reductions for Bailey’s Pond and 24 S Hunt Rd., a bond release for 99 Lake Attitash Road, and an update to the town Master Plan.

• 102 Kimball Rd. – subdivision and special permit hearing (PH: 10-27-25)
• 6 Lake Attitash Way – special permit hearing (PH: 10-27-25)
• 9 and 9#RR Oakland St – site plan and special permit hearing (PH: 11-10-25)
• Erosion Control Bond Reduction – Bailey’s Pond
• Master Plan Update

The Board approved hiring Stantec for the civil peer review and VHB for the traffic peer review of the 1‑9 Oakland Street application, with a unanimous 5‑0 vote. It also approved the 2026 Planning Board schedule and continued several public hearings to the December 8, 2025 meeting. Additionally, the Board adopted a non‑binding recommendation to revisit the Chapter 40B development discussion at the next meeting if a 15‑day comment extension is granted.

• Approved Stantec civil peer review and VHB traffic peer review for 1‑9 Oakland St. (5‑0)
• Continued public hearing for 102 Kimball Rd. to 12/8/25 (4‑0)
• Continued public hearing for 6 Lake Attitash Way to 12/8/25 (4‑0)
• Continued public hearing to the first regular Planning Board meeting in January 2026 (5‑0)
• Approved 2026 schedule as presented (5‑0)
• Adopted non‑binding recommendation to bring 40B project back for further discussion at 12/8/25 if 15‑day extension granted (5‑0)

Retirement Board

The Board will review retirement enrollments, member refunds, and the transfer of retirement accounts between systems. The meeting includes the approval of November 2025 payroll and payment warrants and a discussion on the 2026 budget.

• Gross monthly pension allowance of $6,273.27 for Robert G. Hughes
• Partial refund of $11,358.62 for David B. Mather
• Transfer-in from Essex Regional Retirement System for Michelle L. Sweeney totaling $143,742.09
• Discussion on increasing the COLA base currently at $12,000.00
• Review of 2026 Budget

The board unanimously approved the updated FY26 budget. It also approved moving $750,000 from the money‑market account into the PRIT fund. Several member refunds and account transfers were authorized, and a new member enrollment was accepted. Payroll and vendor warrants for November 2025 were approved.

• Approved new member enrollment for Melissa L. Romano (unanimous)
• Approved partial refund of $11,358.62 to David B. Mather (unanimous)
• Approved partial refund of $132.00 to Nicholas T. Meyers (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of Nicholas T. Meyers account ($22,310.93, 3.33 years) to GCRSB (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of Tyler J. Rogers account ($17,626.07, 2.5 years) to GCRSB (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of Jessica J. Ritenhouse account ($4,609.25, 1.08 years) to MCRS (unanimous)
• Approved $750,000 transfer to PRIT fund (unanimous)
• Approved updated FY26 budget (unanimous)

Non-City Boards and Committees

The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission will meet to adopt April 2025 minutes and vote on authorizing the purchase of two adjacent condominium units at 160 Main Street to meet office space needs.

• Adoption of April 17, 2025 minutes
• Authorization to acquire 160 Main Street Units 5&6
• Hybrid meeting at 12:30pm on November 20, 2025

Non-City Boards and Committees

The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission will meet to adopt October minutes, review a warrant, and discuss personnel matters including staff performance evaluations and recommended salary increases. The agenda also includes materials for future discussion on emergency meeting protocols and updated bylaws.

• Adoption of October 2025 meeting minutes
• Review of warrant for October 2025
• Staff performance evaluations and recommended salary increases
• Discussion of emergency meeting protocols and bylaw updates
• Review of KP Law’s review of MVPC bylaws

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Amesbury Zoning Board of Appeals will consider a withdrawal request for a special permit and variance at 282 Lions Mouth Road. It will also approve an invoice from Stantec, set the meeting schedule for 2026, and note the comment period for the state filing concerning 27 Kimball Road.

• 282 Lions Mouth Road – Special Permit and Variance Application Withdrawal Request
• Approval of Stantec invoice
• Adoption of 2026 meeting schedule
• State filing comment period for 27 Kimball Road

The board approved the minutes from the September 25 and October 23 meetings. It accepted the withdrawal of the 282 Lions Mouth Road variance and special‑permit applications, paid a $700.75 Stantec invoice, and adopted the proposed 2026 ZBA meeting schedule. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved 9‑25‑25 minutes (4‑0‑1)
• Approved 10‑23‑25 minutes (4‑0‑1)
• Accepted withdrawal of 282 Lions Mouth Road variance & permit (5‑0)
• Authorized payment of Stantec invoice $700.75 (5‑0)
• Approved proposed 2026 ZBA meeting schedule (6‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (4‑0)

School Committee

The provided agenda is a blank template and contains no specific discussion items or decisions.

The Amesbury Cashman School Council appointed Chris Leary as Co‑Chair and Cara Ripley as the meeting notetaker. The remaining agenda items involved discussion of staffing shortages, recess, homework, and the draft School Improvement Plan, but no formal approvals or votes were recorded.

• Appointed Chris Leary as Co‑Chair
• Appointed Cara Ripley as notetaker

School Committee

The Amesbury School Committee will consider several items, including approving the prior meeting minutes, receiving an update on future freshman planning, and reviewing proposed Bell‑to‑Bell cell‑phone legislation. The committee will discuss the outcome of the recent budget override vote and determine next steps, and will begin development of a school improvement plan. Additional agenda items will be set for future meetings.

• Approval of previous minutes
• Future Freshman Planning Update
• Bell to Bell Cell Phone Legislation
• Budget Override Vote Outcome & Next Steps
• School Improvement Plan Development

Library Board of Trustees

The Amesbury Public Library Board of Trustees Fundraising Ad-Hoc Sub-Committee will review the minutes, consider a donor software update, and discuss the annual appeal, including printing, envelope stuffing, status, and thank‑you notes. They will also plan the meeting schedule and frequency for 2026 and allow public comment.

• Approve minutes of the previous meeting
• Donor software update
• Printing and envelope stuffing logistics review for the annual appeal
• Status update and thank‑you notes discussion for the annual appeal
• Meeting scheduling and frequency planning for 2026

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee is meeting to discuss the Community Preservation Plan. The primary agenda item is a meeting with members of the Amesbury Housing Trust.

• Meeting with Amesbury Housing Trust members regarding the Community Preservation Plan

The Community Preservation Committee unanimously approved the minutes from the August 20, September 17, and September 17 meetings. A motion to adjourn was also passed unanimously. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved August 20, 2025 minutes (7-0)
• Approved September 17, 2025 minutes (7-0)
• Approved September 17, 2025 minutes (duplicate) (7-0)
• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

Technical Review Committee

The Technical Review Committee will meet to review a State 40B filing for 27 Kimball Road. The body will also discuss the traffic and transportation process.

• State 40B Filing review for 27 Kimball Road
• Discussion of Traffic and Transportation Process

The committee voted to adjourn the meeting at 10:21 am, with the motion passing unanimously. Minutes from previous meetings (9‑17‑25, 10‑1‑25, 10‑15‑25, 11‑5‑25) were tabled for a future meeting. The committee set a deadline of Monday, Dec 15, for submitting comments on the 27 Kimball Road 40B project and scheduled a public meeting on Dec 17 to discuss the project further.

• Adjourned meeting (unanimous vote)
• Tabled review of minutes from 9‑17‑25, 10‑1‑25, 10‑15‑25, 11‑5‑25 to a future meeting
• Set deadline for TRC comments on 27 Kimball Rd 40B project to Dec 15
• Scheduled public meeting on Dec 17 to discuss 27 Kimball Rd 40B project

Health Care Trust Commission

The Health Care Trust Commission will review the October minutes and financial reports. The board will discuss new applications and whether to cover medical equipment.

• Review of October minutes
• Financial report review
• Review of new applications
• Discussion on medical equipment coverage

The commission unanimously accepted the October minutes. It approved a $124.20 payment to Beth lsrael Health and a $187.47 payment to New England Pain Care, and denied a request for equipment not covered by the bylaws. The board agreed to draft a letter to providers about post‑service payment and to amend the bylaws to allow payment for physician‑prescribed medical equipment.

• Accepted October minutes (unanimous)
• Approved $124.20 payment to Beth lsrael Health (case 2026-01-03)
• Approved $187.47 payment to New England Pain Care (case 2026-08-01)
• Denied equipment request (case 2026-09-01) because not covered in bylaws
• Decided to draft a letter to providers about post‑service payment
• Agreed to update bylaws to permit payment for physician‑prescribed medical equipment

Amesbury Housing Authority

The Amesbury Housing Authority will discuss and vote on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget and approve capital improvement change orders. The meeting agenda also includes the approval of October 2025 financial reports and a fee accountant agreement.

• Approval of Fiscal Year 2026 budget
• Capital improvement change order requests (#007084, #007098, #007099, #007120, #007116, #007125, #007128, #007132)
• Approval of October 2025 financial reports
• Approval of agreement for fee accountant
• Executive session for non-union personnel contract negotiations

Trustees of War Memorials

The Trustees of War Memorials will receive an update on the Franco American Memorial Flagpole under the Veterans' Heritage Grant Program. They will also hear a progress report on an Eagle Scout project and discuss maintenance needs for memorial sites. Routine items include approval of September 30, 2025 minutes and a financial report.

• Veterans' Heritage Grant Program – Franco American Memorial Flagpole project update
• Eagle Scout Project – progress update
• Maintenance Updates/Additional Needs
• Approval of September 30, 2025 meeting minutes
• Financial report

The board approved the September 30, 2025 meeting minutes by a unanimous 3‑0 vote. Trustees reviewed the trust fund, noting a $3,000 principal and a total balance of $17,036.74 before paying an outstanding invoice. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 6:25 p.m.

• Approved September 30, 2025 minutes (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Design Review Committee

The Amesbury Design Review Committee will review several items, including a sign at 19 South Hunt (Hiller Sign) and a Historic Preservation Special Permit for 230 Main Street. The committee will also discuss continued applications for the Rocky Hill Development's North and South Neighborhood Architecture. New applications will be considered, and the meeting includes public comments and other standard agenda items.

• 19 S Hunt – Hiller Sign
• 230 Main Street – Historic Preservation Special Permit
• Rocky Hill Development – North and South Neighborhood Architecture (continued applications)
• New Applications (unspecified)
• Public Comments

Non-City Boards and Committees

The Planning/Career Center Committee will meet to review budget and performance updates. The body will vote to ratify a prior electronic decision regarding the transfer of training funds.

• Ratification of transfer of $90,000 from Adult WIOA Training Funds to WIOA Dislocated Worker Training Funds

City Council

The Amesbury City Council will vote on an amendment to the Solid Waste Ordinance that adds rules for dumpster delivery and emptying, including time limits, fines, and enforcement authority. The meeting also includes budget transfers, a cultural grant, and actions on Kimball Road and a conservation parcel. Several mayoral appointments and routine items will be addressed as well.

• 2025-112 – Ordinance to add Article III on delivery and emptying of dumpsters to the Solid Waste Ordinance.
• 2025-115 – Order to accept a $12,600 grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council for FY 2026.
• 2025-116 – Order to transfer $98,042 from Sewer Other Expenses to Sewer Personal Services.
• 2025-121 – Acceptance of a quitclaim deed for land at 47.5‑57 Kimball Road to be held by the Conservation Commission.
• 2025-122 – Vote intent to alter Kimball Road and refer the proposal to the Planning Board.

The council approved the October 14, 2025 minutes and several mayoral appointments unanimously. It adopted a solid‑waste ordinance amendment, passing the main motion 6‑1. Multiple orders, including a quitclaim deed for Kimball Road and budget items, were referred to the appropriate committees by unanimous votes. The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 PM.

• Approved October 14, 2025 minutes (5-0-2)
• Approved Laura Schofield appointment to Cultural Council (7-0)
• Approved Susan Ballard reappointment to Council on Aging (7-0)
• Approved D.M. Kligerman-Thomas reappointment to Council on Aging (7-0)
• Approved Craige Hird appointment to Open Space Committee (7-0)
• Adopted solid waste ordinance amendment (6-1)
• Referred 2025-114 to Budget and Finance Committee (7-0)
• Waived rule 5D to accept late file 2025-124 (7-0)

School Committee

The Long-range Planning Task Force is meeting to review a draft of the strategy playbook. The group will identify the steps necessary to complete the playbooks for presentation to the School Committee.

• Review of strategy playbook draft
• Discussion of playbook goals, timeline, and level of detail
• Discussion of the role of community involvement

Liquor License Commission

The Liquor License Commission will vote on a new liquor license for 14 Merrimac Street and establish fees for Section 12d license conversions and one-day licenses for 2026.

• Vote expected on new license for 14 Merrimac Street
• Vote expected on 2026 one-day license fee changes
• Vote expected on Section 12d license conversion fee

The commission unanimously approved the September 2, 2025 minutes. It approved a Section 12 All Alcohol license for 14 Merrimac Street LLC. The fee for one‑day liquor licenses for for‑profits was raised to $50, while non‑profits remain free. The commission decided not to add any local fee for Section 12d license conversions and set the next meeting for December 16, 2025.

• Approved September 2, 2025 minutes (2-0)
• Approved Section 12 All Alcohol license for 14 Merrimac Street LLC (2-0)
• Raised one‑day license fee for for‑profits to $50, non‑profits $0 (2-0)
• Set no additional local fee for Section 12d license conversions (2-0)
• Scheduled next meeting for 12/16/2025 at 6 pm (2-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:44 pm (2-0)

School Committee

The Amesbury Middle School Committee will consider approval of the previous meeting’s minutes. They will receive an FYI on an override item. The committee will review the final draft of the School Improvement Plan. Additional items include a holiday Giving Tree activity and planning the agenda for the December 22 meeting.

• Approve minutes from previous meeting
• FYI on override
• Review final draft of School Improvement Plan
• Discuss Holidays – Giving Tree activity
• Plan agenda for next meeting (Dec 22)

Non-City Boards and Committees

The Merrimack Valley Public Health Alliance will meet virtually to review budget and workplan updates. The body will discuss and vote on the Pathway to Local Public Health and review FY26 operating procedures.

• Vote on Pathway to Local Public Health
• Review of FY26 Purchases, Training Request, and Reimbursement SOP
• Review of FY26 Municipality Approval for Public Health Nursing Programs SOP
• Budget and workplan updates
• Newburyport update

Non-City Boards and Committees

The Essex County Commission on the Status of Women will review and vote on the October 9, 2025 meeting minutes. Committee updates will be reported, including the Ginsburg Initiative, finance, communications, and programming. New business focuses on succession planning for members whose terms are ending, with a proposal to create a subcommittee to conduct interviews. The meeting will conclude with scheduling the next session for December 11, 2025.

• Review and vote on October 9, 2025 meeting minutes
• Ginsburg Initiative update by Commissioner Veillard Perry
• Finance report from Treasurer Sullivan
• Programming Committee update on Girls Listening Circle
• Succession planning: create subcommittee to interview departing members

Council on Aging Board

The Amesbury Council on Aging Board will hold its regular meeting on November 13, 2025, at the Costello Transportation Center. The agenda includes reports from the Secretary, Interim Treasurer, and Director, as well as updates on the COA team, the Costello Center, and fall programming.

• Secretary's Report
• Interim Treasurer's Report
• Director's Report
• COA Team Updates
• Costello Center updates

School Committee

The Amesbury School Committee will approve the minutes from the October 9, 2025 meeting. It will receive an update on the Playful Learning Grant and review the outcomes of a DIBELS assessment overview. The committee will discuss and finalize the goals of the 2025‑2026 School Improvement Plan. The meeting will also include any other business before adjourning.

• Approve October 9, 2025 School Council minutes
• Update on Playful Learning Grant
• Review DIBELS overview outcomes
• Discuss and finalize 2025‑2026 School Improvement Plan goals
• Other business

Amesbury Housing Trust

The Amesbury Housing Trust board will review updates from the Community Preservation Committee, the Emergency Rehab Note Program, the CDBG audit, and subsidized rental programs. It will then consider a financial plan, revenue projections, and future consulting needs, as well as reviewing goals and metrics. The meeting will also set dates for upcoming meetings.

• Community Preservation Committee Report – update
• Update on Emergency Rehab Note Program
• Update on CDBG audit status
• Update on Subsidized Rental Programs
• Financial Plan, Revenue, and Future Consulting Needs

Library Board of Trustees

The trustees approved the Secretary’s minutes from the October meeting. They also approved the minutes of the Fundraising, Finance, Director Evaluation, and Communications sub‑committees. A motion to adjourn was passed unanimously, ending the virtual session at 8:19 p.m.

• Accepted Secretary’s minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted Fundraising Sub‑Committee minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted Finance Sub‑Committee minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted Director Evaluation Sub‑Committee minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted Communications Sub‑Committee minutes (unanimous)
• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously

Planning Board

The Amesbury Planning Board will hold continued public hearings on site plans for 265 R, 277 R, 281, 287, 287 R, and 287.5 Elm Street (Rocky Hill Development) on November 22, 2025. New public hearings are scheduled for 0 and 14 Mill Street and for 9 and 9#RR Oakland Street, both on November 10, 2025, covering site plans and a special historic preservation permit. The board will also discuss administrative matters including a Master Plan update, covenants and bonds, contracts, bills, invoices, and general communications.

• Continued public hearing for site plan Section XI.V (MBTA Communities Multi‑family Overlay District) at 265 R, 277 R, 281, 287, 287 R, 287.5 Elm Street (PH: 9‑22‑25)
• New public hearing for site plan at 0 and 14 Mill Street (PH: 11‑10‑25)
• New public hearing for site plan and special historic preservation permit at 9 and 9#RR Oakland Street (PH: 11‑10‑25)
• Administrative agenda item: Master Plan Update
• Administrative agenda items: Covenants and Bonds; Contracts, Bills, and Invoices; General Communications

The Planning Board approved two commercial signage applications, approved an ANR subdivision for 39 and 41 Oakland Street, and authorized VHB to perform traffic, stormwater, and civil peer review for the Rocky Hill development. The Board also voted to continue the public hearing to the December 22, 2025 meeting. All motions passed unanimously (7‑0).

• Approved sign for Aqua Laboratories at 8 Industrial Way (7-0)
• Approved sign for Chloe’s Nail Salon at 43 Friend St with font recommendation (7-0)
• Approved ANR application for 39 and 41 Oakland St (7-0)
• Authorized VHB to perform traffic, stormwater, and civil peer review (7-0)
• Continued public hearing to Dec 22, 2025 (7-0)

Cultural Council

The Amesbury Poet Laureate Support Committee will appoint a note‑taker, approve minutes from the prior meeting, and examine the current financial status of the Flatbread Fundraiser. It will discuss options for the National Poetry Month events, including the Flatbread Fundraiser and the Amesbury Poetry Fest. The committee will also plan the poet laureate application and interview process, including marketing and contingency plans.

• Appoint someone to take notes
• Review and approve minutes of previous meeting
• Current financial status: locate money from the Flatbread Fundraiser
• Discuss National Poetry Month events – Flatbread Fundraiser and Amesbury Poetry Fest
• Plan Poet Laureate application and search – marketing, interview scheduling, contingency plan

Library Board of Trustees

The Amesbury Public Library Board of Trustees Long Range Planning Sub-Committee is meeting virtually. The primary focus of the meeting is a discussion regarding the FY27-29 Strategic Plan.

• Discussion of FY27-29 Strategic Plan

Design Review Committee

The Design Review Committee will meet to discuss sign applications and residential projects. The body will review new and continued applications for both single-family and multifamily housing.

• Sign review: 8 Industrial Way (Aqua Laboratories)
• Sign review: 43 Main Street (Chole Nail Salon)
• New application: 6 Lake Attitash Way (Single-family Home)
• Internal review: 230 Main Street
• Internal review: 27.5-29 Clarks Road (Multifamily Development)

Technical Review Committee

The Technical Review Committee will meet to review a specific application and discuss the traffic and transportation process. The meeting also includes the approval of minutes from three previous sessions.

• Application review for 9 and 9 #RR Oakland St.
• Discussion on Traffic and Transportation Process

The Technical Review Committee examined the historic‑preservation special permit and site plan for the 9 & 9 RR Oakland St project. Members and the applicant’s representatives discussed building height, unit mix, parking, sidewalk and utility details. No formal approvals, denials, or votes were recorded.

Library Board of Trustees

The Amesbury Public Library Board of Trustees Preservation Sub‑Committee will review the recent building walkthrough and datalogger reports for collection spaces. It will discuss the status of preservation funding, including requests to the Sara Locke Redford Fund and qualification for a MPPF grant. The committee will also consider capital planning items before opening the floor to public comment.

• Review of building walkthrough
• Datalogger reports for collection spaces
• Review of Sara Locke Redford Fund requests
• Discussion of MPPF grant Certified Local Government qualification
• Capital planning discussion

Energy Committee

The Amesbury Energy, Environment & Sustainability Committee will meet to discuss existing and new business. The primary focus is prioritizing goals for the Energy Manager for the first and second quarters of 2026.

• Prioritizing goals for Energy Manager Q1 & Q2 2026

The Energy, Environment & Sustainability Committee introduced Energy Manager David Johnson and discussed his first-year goals. Members scheduled the next meeting for December 11, 2025 at the Municipal Development Center. The meeting was unanimously adjourned at 6:38 p.m.

• Introduced Energy Manager David Johnson (no vote)
• Scheduled next meeting for Dec 11, 2025 at MDC (unanimous)
• Unanimously adjourned meeting at 6:38 p.m.

Planning Board

The Planning Board will conduct a continued public hearing for a National Grid substation and three new public hearings for projects on Clarks Road, Main Street, and Lake Attitash Road. The board will also receive a presentation regarding 0 and 14 Mill Street and an update on the Master Plan.

• Continued public hearing: 9 Alenclair Drive (National Grid Substation) Site Plan
• New public hearing: 27.5 and 29 Clarks Road Site Plan
• New public hearing: 45 Main Street Site Plan and Special Permit
• New public hearing: 29 Lake Attitash Road Special Permit
• Presentation: 0 and 14 Mill Street

The Board voted 7‑0 to approve the site plan for 9 Alenclair Drive, adding condition 17 for ANSI gray paint and clarifying the landscape performance bond. The same vote closed the public hearing for that project. Tracey Chalifour recused herself from the 27.5‑29 Clarks Road application. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved site plan for 9 Alenclair Drive with condition 17 and landscape bond clarification (7-0)
• Closed public hearing for 9 Alenclair Drive (7-0)
• Tracey Chalifour recused herself from the 27.5‑29 Clarks Road application

School Committee

The Amesbury School Committee Finance & Facilities Subcommittee will approve the September 8th meeting minutes. It will discuss any pending transfers and receive updates on school facilities and finances. The subcommittee will also plan for its December meeting.

• Approval of September 8th minutes
• Discussion of transfers
• Facilities update
• Finance update
• Preparation for December subcommittee meeting

School Committee

The Amesbury School Committee will meet to discuss staffing, AI in schools, and the budget. The body is expected to vote on new policies and district goals. Warrants totaling over $1.4 million will be approved.

• Approval of policies: KBBA (Non-Custodial Parents Rights) and JRA (Retention of Student Records)
• Approval of School Committee/District Goals
• Warrant approval: $650,712.38 (Oct 3), $629,991.98 (Oct 23), $170,178.73 (Oct 30)
• Superintendent Search Update
• Q1 Budget Report

Conservation Commission

The Amesbury Conservation Commission will consider several Notice of Intent applications, including a right-of-way for a transmission line at 394 AND B154/C155 TAP. It will also discuss permits for a single‑family home at 6 Lake Attitash Way, a wetland delineation at 131 Haverhill Road, and a patio and shed at 62 Lake Attitash Road. Requests for certificates of compliance for 81 Pleasant Valley Road and 121 Whitehall Road will be reviewed, and routine administrative items such as draft minutes and WPA fund invoices will be addressed.

• NOI – ACC-25-1: 6 Lake Attitash Way (Mallard) Single Family Home permit
• ANRAD 002-1350: 131 Haverhill Road (Buckley) Wetland Delineation
• NOI 002-1356: 394 AND B154/C155 TAP Transmission Line ROW (Massachusetts Power Company)
• NOI 002-1357: 62 Lake Attitash Road (Milne) Patio and Shed permit
• Certificates of Compliance: 81 Pleasant Valley Road (Lorandeau) and 121 Whitehall Road (Hoglund)

The Amesbury Conservation Commission voted to continue two pending applications until December 1, 2025. It waived the peer review and approved the permit with special conditions for the Mill Street project. Additional permits for a Lake Attitash Road shed extension, two seasonal dock certificates, and a BSC Group invoice were also approved.

• Continuance of NOI ACC-25-1 61 Lake Attitash Way approved (4-yes, 1-abstain)
• Continuance of ANRAD 002-1350 131 Haverhill Road approved (4-yes, 1-abstain)
• Waiver of peer review for NOI 002-1355 0 and 14 Mill Street approved (5-yes)
• Approval of NOI 002-1355 0 and 14 Mill Street with special conditions approved (5-yes)
• Approval of NOI 002-1357 62 Lake Attitash Road approved (5-yes)
• Approval of RCOC 002-1345 1 Pleasant Valley Road certificate approved (5-yes)
• Payment of BSC Group invoice $254.69 approved by unanimous voice vote

Cemetery Advisory Commission

The meeting notice for the Amesbury Cemetery Advisory Commission on October 30, 2025 contains no listed topics or items. The notice was posted in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 30A §§18‑25. No specific decisions, discussions, or actions are identified in the agenda.

Retirement Board

The Board will process new member enrollments, retirement allowances, and refund requests. Members will review several financial warrants and reports from September and October 2025. The meeting also includes a 2026 budget presentation.

• Approval of October 2025 Payroll, Cash Disbursements, and Vendor Payment Warrants
• Refund of $26,848.67 to former Sewer Department laborer Sage A. Mambuca
• Pension allowances for five retirees, including a gross monthly allowance of $5,413.43 for Janet L. Moyer
• Reimbursement of $15,771.29 per year to Barnstable County Retirement Board for William Scott
• Review of 2026 Budget Presentation

The Amesbury Retirement Board unanimously accepted new member enrollment forms for nine city employees. It also unanimously approved refunds totaling $33,560.84 to Sage A. Mambuca and partial refunds of $38.11 to Linda A. Teel and $3,911.02 to Robert J. Serino. The board unanimously accepted retirement allowance calculations for five retirees—Karen L. Pratt, Deborah A. Eaton, Janet L. Moyer, David L. Clark, and Lynn A. Teel—effective October 31, 2025, and approved the October 2025 payroll, cash disbursements, and vendor payment warrants.

• Approved new member enrollment forms for nine employees (unanimous)
• Approved $33,560.84 refund to Sage A. Mambuca (unanimous)
• Approved $38.11 partial refund to Linda A. Teel (unanimous)
• Approved $3,911.02 partial refund to Robert J. Serino (unanimous)
• Approved retirement allowance calculations for five retirees (unanimous)
• Approved October 2025 Payroll Warrant (unanimous)
• Approved October 2025 Cash Disbursements Warrant (unanimous)
• Approved October 2025 Vendor Payment Warrant (unanimous)

School Committee

The School Committee meeting scheduled for October 30, 2025, is listed with no topics for discussion or agenda items. The notice directs residents to the City Hall address for further information.

Board of Registrars

The Amesbury Board of Registrars will meet on October 28, 2025 at 10:00 AM in the City Hall Auditorium. The agenda includes approving the minutes from the September 23, 2025 meeting. The board will also consider ballot testing for the upcoming municipal election.

• Approve September 23, 2025 meeting minutes
• Ballot testing for municipal election

Non-City Boards and Committees

The MassHire Merrimack Valley Workforce Board will hold its annual meeting on Oct 28, 2025 at Michael’s Function Hall in Haverhill. Members will vote to approve the June 24, 2025 quarterly meeting minutes and the August 26, 2025 special meeting minutes. The board will ratify a prior electronic vote to approve the MassHire MV Career Center Operator. Officers will be elected and an advanced manufacturing promotional video will be considered.

• Approval of June 24, 2025 quarterly meeting minutes and August 26, 2025 special meeting minutes (vote required)
• Ratification of prior electronic vote to approve MassHire MV Career Center Operator (vote required)
• Election of officers (vote required)
• Consideration of advanced manufacturing promotional video (other business)

City Council

The Amesbury City Council will consider several budget orders, including appropriations and transfers totaling $490,967. It will also vote on multiple ordinances, notably a new Chapter 230 for building permits with an updated fee schedule, updates to the City Clerk fee schedule, solid waste dumpster rules, and parking permit regulations. Grants of $20,000 for police radios and $34,967 for road safety enforcement are also on the agenda.

• Appropriate $200,000 from the General Stabilization Fund and $200,000 from the Ambulance Receipts Reserved Fund to balance the FY2026 budget (2025-104)
• Transfer $45,000 from Assessors Department Salaries & Wages and Salary Reserve to Assessors Department Other Expenses (2025-105)
• Authorize $20,000 grant for police department radios (2025-108)
• Authorize $34,967 grant for municipal road safety traffic enforcement (2025-109)
• Ordinance to add Chapter 230 to the Code of Ordinances and adopt a new Schedule of Building Permit Fees (2025-110)

The council unanimously approved multiple budget orders, including fund transfers and grants for police radios and road safety. It adopted Ordinance 2025‑110, adding Chapter 230 to the Code of Ordinances and setting new building permitting fees, passing 5‑1. The council also approved Ordinance 2025‑113 updating traffic and parking regulations, and Ordinance 2025‑111 amending the City Clerk fee schedule. All votes were recorded as shown.

• Approved 2025-104 appropriation from General Stabilization Fund, 6-0
• Approved 2025-105 transfer of $10,000 and $35,000 to Assessors Department, 6-0
• Approved 2025-107 transfer of $5,900 to Building Inspections Consulting, 6-0
• Approved 2025-108 grant of $20,000 for police radios, 6-0
• Approved 2025-109 grant of $34,967 for municipal road safety, 6-0
• Approved 2025-110 ordinance adding Chapter 230 (building permitting fees), 5-1
• Approved 2025-113 ordinance updating traffic and parking regulations, 6-0
• Approved 2025-111 ordinance amending City Clerk fee schedule, 6-0

School Committee

The Amesbury Innovation High School School Committee will formally receive the previous meeting’s minutes. The committee will then hear updates from the City Clerk on new council members, new staff, the override, Innovation Renewal, building matters, and the success of the certification program.

• Receipt of meeting minutes
• Update on new council members
• Update on new staff
• Update on the override
• Update on Innovation Renewal and building projects

School Committee

The Amesbury Public Library Board of Trustees Communications Subcommittee will review its meeting minutes and discuss several old‑business items, including a possible National Register listing, a window restoration project, and properties on School Street. The committee will also consider preparing a fact sheet about the library and address any new business items that arise.

• Review Subcommittee meeting minutes
• Discuss National Register listing for the library
• Discuss window restoration project
• Discuss School Street properties
• Prepare fact sheet about the library

School Committee

The Amesbury School Committee subcommittee will review several policy items, including how student records are retained, the rights of non‑custodial parents, and access to school buildings and grounds. It will also consider policies on vandalism and visitor procedures. After the discussion, the committee will vote to approve the September 23, 2025 meeting minutes and address any other business.

• Review of JRA policy on retention of student records
• Review of KBBA policy on non‑custodial parents’ rights
• Review of ECAB policy on access to school buildings and grounds
• Review of ECAB and ECAC policies on vandalism
• Review of KI policy on visitors to the schools

Cultural Council

The Cultural Council will meet to discuss grant reports and provide updates on Open Studios 2025 and the Cultural Center Subcommittee. The meeting includes time for public comment and a treasurer's report.

• Grants Report
• Open Studios 2025 Update
• Cultural Center Subcommittee Update

The Cultural Council unanimously accepted the October 8 meeting notes. It approved a $40 purchase of two balloon bouquets. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Accepted October 8 meeting notes (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of two balloon bouquets for $40 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will conduct continued public hearings for projects on Elm Street and Alenclair Drive. New public hearings are scheduled for properties on Kimball Road and Lake Attitash Way. The board will also review sign applications for Main Street and Market Street.

• Continued public hearing: 265 R, 277 R, 281, 287, 287 R, 287.5 Elm Street (Rocky Hill Development)
• Continued public hearing: 9 Alenclair Drive (National Grid Substation)
• New public hearing: 102 Kimball Rd. (Definitive Subdivision and Special Permit)
• New public hearing: 6 Lake Attitash Way (Special Permit)
• Sign reviews: 23 Main St. (Main Street Marketplace) and 5 Market Street (Needham Bank)

The Planning Board approved the minutes from the July 28 and August 11 meetings. It also approved two commercial sign applications: one for 23 Main Street and another for 5 Market Street, the latter with a condition to coordinate sign locations with city officials. All approvals were passed by unanimous roll‑call votes.

• Approved 7-28-25 meeting minutes (6-0 vote)
• Approved 8-11-25 meeting minutes (7-0 vote)
• Approved sign application for 23 Main St. (7-0 vote)
• Approved sign application for 5 Market St. with location coordination condition (7-0 vote)

School Committee

The Amesbury Middle School Committee will consider approving the meeting minutes, receive an FYI on any overrides, get updates on school matters, review the final draft of the School Improvement Plan, discuss the MEFA Pathway, and plan the agenda for the next meeting.

• Approval of minutes
• Review of School Improvement Plan final draft
• Discussion of MEFA Pathway
• AMS updates
• Planning next meeting agenda

Planning Board

The Planning Board and Conservation Commission will conduct a site visit at Rocky Hill Development. The meeting will take place on the sidewalk in front of 287-287.5 Elm Street.

• Site visit at 265R, 277R, 281, 287, 287R and 287.5 Elm Street

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Amesbury Zoning Board of Appeals will consider five applications at its October 23 meeting. Two special permits seek additions to existing non‑conforming single‑family homes on Fourth Street and Lions Mouth Road. A special permit requests an in‑law apartment at 4 Brielle Way, while variance requests propose a new single‑family home on Lake Attitash Way and a temporary substation on Mill Street.

• Special Permit – addition to non‑conforming home at 17 Fourth St (Map 71 Lot 62)
• Special Permit & Variance – addition to non‑conforming home at 282 Lions Mouth Rd (Map 47 Lot 15)
• Special Permit – in‑law apartment in basement at 4 Brielle Way (Map 60 Lot 6H)
• Variance – construction of single‑family home at 6 Lake Attitash Way (Map 59 Lot 103/A)
• Variance – temporary substation at 0 and 14 Mill St (Map 53 Lots 123 & 121)

The board approved the variance request for 6 Lake Attitash Way with a 4‑0 vote, noting the decision is contingent on approvals and conditions from the Planning Board and Conservation Commission. It also approved a special permit for 17 Fourth Street (4‑0) and postponed the 282 Lions Mouth Road variance to the Dec. 11 meeting (4‑0). The minutes were tabled to the next meeting.

• Approved variance for 6 Lake Attitash Way (4-0), contingent on other board approvals
• Approved special permit for 17 Fourth Street (4-0)
• Postponed variance/special permit for 282 Lions Mouth Road to Dec 11, 2025 (4-0)
• Tabled meeting minutes to next meeting

School Committee

The Amesbury School Council will meet to select a co-chair and review updates regarding the NEASC Decennial Visit. The body will also discuss a communication plan for GPA changes and the responsible use of AI.

• Selection of co-chair
• NEASC Decennial Visit Update
• GPA Change Communication Plan
• AI and Responsible Use
• Preparation for Program of Studies

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission and Planning Board will hold a site visit at the Rocky Hill Development properties located at 265R, 277R, 281, 287, 287R and 287.5 Elm Street in Amesbury. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 1:00 pm, and the visit will take place on the sidewalk in front of 287‑287.5 Elm St. No other agenda items are listed.

• Site visit at Rocky Hill Development (265R‑277R‑281‑287‑287R‑287.5 Elm St.)

Planning and Development Subcommittee

The Planning and Development Subcommittee will discuss an ordinance to rename and update parking schedules and add fines for permit violations. The meeting is scheduled for October 22, 2025, at 7:00 PM in City Hall.

• Ordinance to rename Schedule I Parking to Schedule 1 Parking (Permit/Restricted Parking)
• Update to reflect permitted and restricted status of municipal lots
• Update to Article XIII penalties and fines schedule for permit violations
• Public comment period included in the agenda

Community Preservation Committee

The committee will hold its regular meeting, address a change in membership, and discuss the Community Preservation Plan during a meeting with members of the Amesbury Housing Authority. It will also set the date for the next meeting before adjourning.

• Change in Committee members
• Meeting with Amesbury Housing Authority members on the Community Preservation Plan
• Set date for next meeting

The committee set the date for its next meeting on November 19, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Auditorium. A motion to adjourn the October 22 meeting was passed unanimously with a 9‑0 vote. No other actions were approved, denied, or tabled.

• Scheduled next CPC meeting for Nov 19, 2025 (6:00 p.m.)
• Motion to adjourn Oct 22 meeting passed unanimously (9-0)

Library Board of Trustees

The Amesbury Public Library Board of Trustees Finance Subcommittee will meet virtually to discuss Council Order 2025-089, the FY27 budget, and proceeds from 5 and 9 School Street. The meeting is conducted under a state law extending COVID-19 measures.

• Discuss Council Order 2025-089
• Discuss FY27 budget
• Discuss 5 and 9 School Street proceeds
• Matters Not Reasonable Anticipated in Advance of the Meeting

The Library Board Finance Sub‑Committee met on October 22, 2025 and discussed the tax‑override letter, FY2027 budget scenarios, and proceeds from property sales. No motions were adopted or votes taken on any agenda items. The meeting was adjourned at 7:51 p.m.

Budget and Finance Subcommittee

The Budget & Finance Committee will consider several mayor‑sponsored orders, including appropriations and transfers to balance the FY26 budget. It will also review two grant acceptance orders totaling $54,967 from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. The committee will vote on three ordinances that amend the city code: adding Chapter 230 on buildings and permitting with a fee schedule, updating the City Clerk fee schedule, and revising solid waste and traffic parking regulations.

• 2025-104: Order to appropriate funds from the General Stabilization Fund and Ambulance Receipts Reserved Fund to balance FY26 budget
• 2025-105: Order to transfer $10,000 from Assessors Department Salaries & Wages and $35,000 from Salary Reserve to Assessors Department Other Expenses
• 2025-108: Order to accept and expend a $20,000 grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
• 2025-109: Order to accept and expend a $34,967 grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
• 2025-110: Ordinance to add Chapter 230 (Buildings, Permitting of) to the Amesbury Code of Ordinances and adopt a Schedule of Fees

Design Review Committee

The Design Review Committee will meet to discuss continued and new applications. The agenda includes a review of a project by Rocky Hill Development and an internal review for Needham Bank.

• Continued application: Rocky Hill Development (MFOD)
• Internal review: 5 Market St. – Needham Bank

Library Board of Trustees

The Amesbury Public Library Board of Trustees will convene virtually to discuss and vote on the final draft of the annual appeal. The meeting will also cover a donor software update and the logistics of the appeal.

• Vote on final draft of annual appeal
• Donor software update discussion
• Annual appeal timeline and logistics discussion

The Library Board approved the minutes of the meeting and the final draft of the 2025 annual appeal by unanimous vote. They agreed to request $750 from the Charitable Trust and have the Friends cover the remaining $250 for mailing supplies. The board assigned tasks for sending the approved draft and preparing mailing kits, and then adjourned the meeting.

• Approved meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Approved annual appeal final draft (all in favor)
• Planned request of $750 from Charitable Trust for mailing supplies
• Friends to cover remaining $250 for mailing supplies
• Alex Matthews to send final approved draft to Trustees
• Aimie Westphal to send draft to Charitable Trust with funding request
• Friends to pack ‘Go bags’ with mailing supplies
• Adjourned meeting (all in favor)

Non-City Boards and Committees

The Planning/Career Center Committee will review and vote on updates to two MMVWB policies. It will also approve the September 16, 2025 meeting minutes, provide a performance summary, and give a budget update. The meeting concludes with any other business before adjournment.

• Approval of the September 16, 2025 meeting minutes (vote required)
• Performance Summary Update
• Budget Update
• Update to MMVWB Needs Related Payment Policy (vote required)
• Update to MMVWB Support Service Policy (vote required)

Ordinance and Administration Committee

The Ordinance and Administration Committee will discuss four proposed ordinances. These include a new chapter for building permits, updates to the City Clerk fee schedule, and changes to solid waste and parking regulations.

• 2025-110: New Chapter 230 regarding building permitting and a Schedule of Fees
• 2025-111: Amendment to City Clerk Fee Schedule § 132-7.1
• 2025-112: Amendment to Solid Waste Ordinance Chapter 392 regarding dumpster delivery and emptying
• 2025-113: Updates to Traffic and Parking Regulations regarding permit/restricted parking and violation fines

School Committee

The School Committee will meet to appoint a Superintendent Search Liaison and approve the timeline for the search process. The meeting includes time for visitor comments and reports from various subcommittees.

• Appointment of Superintendent Search Liaison
• Approval of Superintendent Search Timeline

School Committee

The School Committee is holding a workshop to discuss goal setting. This meeting follows the regularly scheduled School Committee meeting.

• Goal setting workshop

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold a meeting on October 20, 2025, to continue discussion on two items: a sea wall project at 501 Main St. and a temporary substation at 0 and 14 Mill St. The meeting will be conducted remotely via Teams and recorded by Comcast.

• NOI 002-1354: Sea wall project at 501 Main St. (Bailey)
• NOI 002-1355: Temporary substation at 0 and 14 Mill St. (Massachusetts Electric Company)
• Meeting to be conducted via Teams
• Meeting to be recorded by Comcast

Cultural Council

The Amesbury Cultural Council will review its current financial status, approve minutes from the prior meeting, receive a report from Poet Laureate Lisa Usani Phillips, and discuss the application and search process for a new Poet Laureate, including marketing, interview scheduling, contingency plans, and venue reservation for the inauguration.

• Approve minutes of the previous meeting
• Review current financial status
• Poet Laureate Report – Lisa Usani Phillips
• Poet Laureate Application and Search – marketing, interview process, contingency plan, inauguration venue
• Public comment period

School Committee

The Amesbury School Committee will discuss ongoing plans to develop an endowment fund. It will also review plans to sell plaques from the Performance Center. No final decisions are indicated; the agenda items are for continued planning.

• Planning for development of an endowment fund
• Planning for sale of Performance Center plaques

Technical Review Committee

The Technical Review Committee will meet to review a specific application and discuss the traffic and transportation process. The body will also address administrative minutes from September and October 2025.

• Application review for 27.5–29 Clarks Road
• Discussion on Traffic and Transportation Process

The Technical Review Committee reviewed the 27.5‑29 Clarks Road development, discussing grading, stormwater, access, parking, EV spaces, and trail materials. No approval or denial was issued. The minutes were tabled for a future meeting and the committee adjourned unanimously at 10:48 am.

• Tabled minutes to a future meeting (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Health Care Trust Commission

The Health Care Trust Commission is meeting to review minutes from September and discuss financial reports. The agenda contains handwritten notes regarding financial reviews.

• Review of September minutes

The commission unanimously accepted the September 2025 minutes. A $3,000 grant to Varinos Dental (case 2026-07-01) was approved. The wheelchair request was not approved due to lack of medical need, and Deb Smith was assigned to follow up with the social worker. The meeting was adjourned at 2:30 p.m.

• Accepted September minutes (unanimous)
• Approved $3,000 grant to Varinos Dental (case 2026-07-01)
• Wheelchair request denied; follow‑up ordered with social worker
• Adjourned meeting at 2:30 p.m.

Library Board of Trustees

The Library Board will review updates on facilities, including a window restoration project, the Birch tree, and proceeds from 5 and 9 School Street. It will receive a strategic planning update for FY27‑29 and discuss the FY26 materials allotment from Trustee Trust funds. The board will also vote on the 2026 holiday closure schedule.

• Window restoration project update
• Birch tree update
• Discussion of proceeds from 5 and 9 School Street
• FY27‑29 strategic planning update
• Vote on 2026 holiday closure schedule

City Council

The council will consider mayor‑sponsored orders to dispose of about 4 acres of city‑owned land at 24 South Hampton Road and to rezone the site from Open Space Conservancy to Residential‑8, enabling up to 36 new housing units and one single‑family unit. Additional agenda items include budget appropriations and transfers totaling $400,000 for the FY26 budget, adoption of a new building permit fee schedule, and updates to solid‑waste and parking regulations. The council will also receive appointments to the Historic Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Community Preservation Committee, and will consider state grant acceptances for police communications and road‑safety projects.

• Order 2025-082: authorize sale/lease of ~4 acres at 24 South Hampton Road for up to 36 dwelling units and one single‑family unit on Rowell Street
• Ordinance 2025-083: rezone two portions of 24 South Hampton Road from OSC to R‑8 zoning district
• Order 2025-104: appropriate $200,000 from General Stabilization Fund and $200,000 from Ambulance Receipts Reserved Fund for FY26 budget
• Ordinance 2025-110: adopt new Chapter 230 building permit fee schedule
• Ordinance 2025-112: amend Solid Waste Ordinance to add rules for dumpster delivery and emptying

The council unanimously approved the Mayor’s request to dispose of about four acres of city‑owned land at 24 South Hampton Road. It also confirmed three new appointments to the Historic Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Community Preservation Committee. The October list of licenses and the warrant for the November 4 municipal election were approved. Several budget and ordinance items were referred to committees, and a rule waiver allowed late files to be accepted.

• Approved appointment of Jennifer Welter as alternate Historic Commission member (8-0)
• Approved appointment of Kendra Amaral as associate Zoning Board of Appeals member (8-0)
• Approved appointment of Peter Frey as Community Preservation Committee member (8-0)
• Approved October list of licenses (8-0)
• Approved warrant for November 4, 2025 municipal election (8-0)
• Approved substitution and adoption of 2025-082 to sell/lease ~4 acres at 24 South Hampton Rd (8-0)
• Referred 2025-104 budget appropriation order to Budget & Finance Committee, second reading Oct 28 (8-0)
• Waived rule 5D to accept late files (7-1)

School Committee

The Amesbury School Committee will conduct a workshop focused on goal setting for the Amesbury High School library. No formal decisions or votes are indicated; the meeting is dedicated to discussion and planning. The agenda contains only the workshop description and a mission statement.

Non-City Boards and Committees

The Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District Board of Commissioners will meet to conduct business regarding staffing and future funding. The board will vote on a contract extension and hold preliminary talks on the next fiscal year's budget.

• Vote on contract extension for J. Moak
• Preliminary discussion of estimated FY27 budget
• Review and approval of September 11, 2025, minutes

Council on Aging Board

The Council on Aging Board will meet to review secretary, treasurer, and director reports. The board will discuss team updates, the Costello Center, and fall programming.

• Secretary's report
• Interim Treasurer's report
• Costello Center updates
• Fall Programming updates

School Committee

The Amesbury School Committee will approve the September 11, 2025 meeting minutes and then discuss and develop the School Improvement Plan for the 2025‑2026 school year. The discussion will focus on reading proficiency goals for grades K‑2, number‑sense goals for grades 1‑2, the PBIS school‑wide behavior model, and strategies to improve communication with parents and guardians.

• Approve September 11, 2025 meeting minutes
• Discuss reading proficiency goals for K‑2 students
• Discuss number‑sense goals for Grades 1‑2 students
• Review implementation of PBIS school‑wide behavior model
• Review plans to improve parent‑guardian communication

Joint Education Committee

The Joint Education Committee will review minutes from March and May 2025 and discuss capital improvements for CES and AHS, including a roof and cafeteria, as well as the FY2027 budget and enrollment costs.

• Review of March 3, 2025 and May 8, 2025 minutes
• Update on Capital Improvements: CES roof, boiler, cafeteria, and AHS baseball field
• FY2027 Budget Discussion
• Status of Revolving Accounts, Circuit Breaker, Transportation Costs, and Enrollment
• Whittier Tech Updates

Non-City Boards and Committees

The Amesbury Youth Committee will meet remotely via Zoom on October 8, 2025. The committee will vote to approve the minutes from its June 11, 2025 meeting and later adjourn. It will receive updates on the WIOA program, YouthWorks and Connecting Activities, and partner information. The committee will also consider any other business.

• Approval of the June 11, 2025 meeting minutes (vote required)
• WIOA Program Update
• YouthWorks and Connecting Activities Updates
• Partner’s Information
• Other Business

Amesbury Housing Trust

The Amesbury Housing Trust will review minutes from earlier meetings and hear public comment. It will discuss updates on subsidized housing inventory, homebuyer assistance, rental programs, and senior citizen assistance. The board will consider accepting Trustee Nancy Frick’s resignation, possibly adopt an Emergency Rehab Note program, and approve warrants or invoices.

• Acceptance of resignation of Trustee Nancy Frick (vote expected)
• Discussion of adoption of Emergency Rehab Note program (vote possible)
• Approval of applicable warrants or invoices as presented (vote possible)
• Update on current Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI)
• Review of First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program implementation steps

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will consider several routine items at its October 7 meeting. It will approve the minutes from the August 12, 2025 meeting, sign the 2025 motor vehicle commitment book, and approve motor vehicle excise tax abatements for September 2025. The board will also review and either approve or deny exemption applications and discuss ATB cases. An executive session may be held to discuss non‑public records.

• Approve August 12, 2025 meeting minutes
• Sign Motor Vehicle Commitment Book (2025‑4)
• Sign Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Abatements (Sept 1‑30, 2025)
• Review and approve/deny exemption applications
• Discuss ATB cases

The Board of Assessors approved the August 12, 2025 meeting minutes and accepted the Motor Vehicle Excise Abatement Reports for August 13‑31 and September 1‑30, 2025. The Board entered and later closed an Executive Session, then adjourned. All actions passed unanimously.

• Approved August 12, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted Motor Vehicle Excise Abatement Reports (unanimous)
• Entered Executive Session under M.G.L. 30A (unanimous)
• Closed Executive Session (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Design Review Committee

The Design Review Committee will discuss signage for the Main Street Marketplace located at 23 Main St. It will continue reviewing the Rocky Hill Development (MFOD) application and consider any new development applications submitted. The committee will also conduct an internal review of pending items before adjourning.

• Review and decision on signage for 23 Main St. – Main Street Marketplace
• Continued review of Rocky Hill Development (MFOD) application
• Consideration of new development applications
• Internal review of pending items

Energy Committee

The Energy, Environment & Sustainability Committee will approve the September meeting minutes and hear public comments. It will discuss the existing Mass EVIP item and then focus on prioritizing goals for the Energy Manager in the first two quarters of 2026, covering topics such as EV chargers, solar credits, the community power contract, fleet electrification, and recycling programs. The committee will also set the date and location for the next meeting on November 4.

• Approve September meeting minutes
• Public comment period
• Discuss Mass EVIP
• Prioritize Energy Manager goals for Q1 & Q2 2026 (EV chargers, solar credits, community power contract, fleet electrification, recycling, etc.)
• Schedule next meeting for Nov 4 (time and location)

The committee unanimously approved the September and June 2025 meeting minutes. It decided that the Massachusetts EVIP program will not move forward. Brittany Steingesser will contact Communications to update the committee member list on the city website. By rank voting, the committee established six priority areas for the Energy Manager for Q1‑Q2 2026.

• Approved September 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved June 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Decided MA EVIP will not move forward
• Assigned Brittany Steingesser to contact Communications to update website member list
• Set Energy Manager priorities for Q1‑Q2 2026: State Funded Programs, Data Tracking/Analytics, Municipal Aggregation, Transportation Electrification, Education & Outreach, Energy Efficiency Policies and Program (rank vote)
• Unanimously adjourned meeting at 5:54 pm

Cultural Council

The Amesbury Cultural Council will consider several agenda items, including a vote on the Open Studios 2025 brochure cover image, a vote on advertising expense in the Chamber’s quarterly paper, and a vote on serving as fiscal agent for the Juneteenth Celebration 2026. The meeting also includes reports on grants, marketing, the Cultural Center subcommittee, public art projects, and the poet laureate. Public comment and the treasurer's report are scheduled before the council adjourns.

• Vote on cover image for the Open Studios 2025 brochure
• Vote on advertisement space expense in the Chamber’s quarterly paper “The Amesbury Merchant”
• Vote on acting as fiscal agent for the Juneteenth Celebration 2026
• Cultural Center Subcommittee memorandum discussion and vote
• Grants report presentation

School Committee

The Amesbury School Committee will vote on accepting a Green Communities Grant and on an 8th‑grade field trip. The meeting also includes a presentation on the superintendent search by NESDEC and an overview of FY26 entitlement funding. A consent agenda will approve recent warrant expenditures totaling several million dollars.

• Vote to accept Green Communities Grant
• Vote to approve 8th‑grade field trip
• Superintendent search presentation by NESDEC
• FY26 entitlement funding overview presentation
• Consent agenda warrants: $560,845.00 (Aug 21), $590,451.30 (Aug 22), $616,468.53 (Sept 5), $570,653.45 (Sept 18), $704,094.43 (Sept 19), $384,680.47 (Oct 2)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold public hearings for new projects and continue discussions on existing applications. The body is reviewing various Notices of Intent and Requests for Certificates of Compliance.

• Public hearing for Massachusetts Electric Company substation at 0 and 14 Mill St.
• Public hearing for addition at 93 Whitehall Road (Yeaton)
• Public hearing for wall at 501 Main St. (Bailey)
• Continued business for 6 Lake Attitash Way, 131 Haverhill Road, and 8 Noel St.
• Bond release for 12 S Hunt Rd

The Conservation Commission approved the completed I‑495 drainage work and issued a negative determination that RDA 8 Noel Street is not a jurisdictional BVW. It also approved the 93 Whitehall Road project with a mitigation plan and continued several other applications for further review. Invoices for MACC and BSC Group were approved for payment.

• Approved RCOC 002-1342 I‑495 Drainage – approved (5 YES, 1 ABSTAIN)
• Issued Negative Determination for RDA 8 Noel Street – approved (5 YES, 1 ABSTAIN)
• Approved NOI 002-1353 93 Whitehall Road with mitigation plan – approved (5 YES, 1 ABSTAIN)
• Continued NOI ACC-25-1 6 Lake Attitash Way to Nov 3, 2025 – approved (5 YES, 1 ABSTAIN)
• Continued ANRAD 002-1350 131 Haverhill Road to Nov 3, 2025 – approved (5 YES, 1 ABSTAIN)
• Continued NOI 002-1354 501 Main Street to Oct 20, 2025 – approved (5 YES, 1 ABSTAIN)
• Continued 0 and 14 Mill Street to Nov 3, 2025 – approved (5 YES, 1 NO)
• Approved payment of invoices for MACC and BSC Group – approved (5 YES, 1 ABSTAIN)

School Committee

The Amesbury School Council will meet to select a co-chair and review the Vision of the Graduate and NEASC update. The body will also discuss a change to the GPA scale for the 2026-27 school year.

• Selection of co-chair
• Vision of the Graduate and NEASC Update
• Proposed change to GPA scale for 26-27 school year

Technical Review Committee

The Technical Review Committee will consider three development applications: 102 Kimball Rd., 0 and 14 Mill St., and 9 Alenclair Dr. The meeting will also include a review of the minutes from September 17, 2025. No decisions are recorded in the agenda.

• Application for 102 Kimball Rd.
• Applications for 0 and 14 Mill St.
• Application for 9 Alenclair Dr.

The committee reviewed the 102 Kimball Rd. cluster residential project and the 0‑14 Mill St. temporary substation project. Members asked questions about driveway access, open‑space protection, fire‑hydrant capacity, fencing, and environmental concerns. No formal approvals, denials, or votes were recorded.

Amesbury Housing Authority

The Amesbury & Merrimac Housing Authorities will hold a special meeting to consider the fair housing affirmative action plan. The agenda includes a roll call to determine quorum, followed by a vote on approving the plan. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at 8:30 AM in the Heritage Towers Conference Room.

• Reading of the roll – determination of quorum
• Approval of the fair housing affirmative action plan

Trustees of War Memorials

The Trustees of War Memorials will review minutes from June 24 and July 8, 2025, discuss financials, receive updates on the Franco American Memorial flagpole and an Eagle Scout project, and consider a vote on a winterization quote for the memorials. They will also review the war memorial inventory list and set the next meeting date.

• Vote on wrapping/winterization quote for war memorials (item 8a)
• Project update on Franco American Memorial Flagpole under Veterans' Heritage Grant (item 6a)
• Volunteer hours report for Veterans' Heritage Grant Program (item 6b)
• Eagle Scout project update (item 7a)
• Approval of minutes from June 24, 2025 and July 8, 2025 (item 4)

The Trustees unanimously approved a $200 contract to wrap the cannon at the Franco‑American Memorial (5‑0). They also unanimously approved the June 24 and July 8 meeting minutes (5‑0 each). Jancy announced his resignation, and the board set the next meeting for November 18, 2025. The meeting was adjourned unanimously (4‑0).

• Approved $200 wrapping quote for cannon (5‑0)
• Approved June 24, 2025 minutes as presented (5‑0)
• Approved July 8, 2025 minutes as presented (5‑0)
• Accepted Jancy's resignation announcement (no vote recorded)
• Set next meeting for November 18, 2025 at 6 pm
• Adjourned meeting (4‑0)

School Committee

The Amesbury School Committee will approve the meeting minutes and provide updates on several topics. Items include introductions of new council members and staff, a discussion of an override, the Innovation Renewal initiative, building matters, and the success of the certification program.

• Approve meeting minutes
• Introduce new council members
• Introduce new staff members
• Discuss override proposal
• Review Innovation Renewal and building updates

School Committee

The Amesbury School Committee's Curriculum and Inclusion Subcommittee will meet on September 30, 2025 at 5:00 pm. It will review the spotlight marketing procedure for Fall 2025, examine the monthly meeting calendar items on anti‑bullying and Title I funding, receive an update on teacher professional development, and discuss ways to include student and community input in decisions. The meeting will conclude with any other business.

• Spotlight Procedure / Marketing for Fall 2025
• Review of monthly calendar items: anti‑bullying and Title I funding
• Update on teacher professional development (Chris Heath)
• Discussion on incorporating student & community feedback into decision‑making
• Other business

School Committee

The Amesbury Middle School Council will meet on September 29, 2025 to discuss several agenda items. The meeting includes a review of the council's role, an FYI override, updates from AMS, and a review of the School Improvement Plan. The committee will also plan the agenda for its next meeting on October 27, 2025. No specific decisions or actions are indicated in the agenda.

• Review of the Role of School Council
• Override FYI
• AMS Updates
• School Improvement Plan Review
• Planning next meeting agenda

Retirement Board

The Retirement Board will process new member enrollments, retirement applications, and fund transfers. The body is deciding on several service buybacks and reviewing monthly financial warrants. The meeting includes an annual investment presentation from the Pension Reserves Investment Management Board.

• Buyback request from Michael J. Chalmers for $49,104.11 plus interest
• Buyback request from Lisa A Wile for $5,778.94
• Rollover refund for Michael Healey in the amount of $25,492.59
• Retirement applications from David Clark, Robert Hughes, and Lynn A. Teel
• RFP for actuarial services

The board unanimously approved new member enrollments and multiple buyback and refund requests, including a $49,104.11 buyback for a firefighter and a $25,492.59 rollover for a former paraprofessional. It denied a reserve police service purchase for Officer Ryan Devaney by a 4‑1 vote. The board also approved the transfer of Chrystal A. Florent’s account to the Haverhill Retirement System and denied liability for a transfer request from the Massachusetts Teachers’ Retirement System. All other actions were approved unanimously.

• Approved new member enrollments (unanimous)
• Denied reserve police service purchase for Ryan Devaney (4-1)
• Approved Lisa A. Wile non-member service buyback of $5,778.94 (unanimous)
• Approved Michael J. Chalmers refunded service buyback of $49,104.11 plus interest (unanimous)
• Approved rollover for Michael Healey of $25,492.59 (unanimous)
• Approved partial refund for Jasmine Looney of $384.55 less $76.91 taxes (unanimous)
• Denied creditable service liability for Dustin Burden transfer (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of Chrystal A. Florent account to Haverhill Retirement System (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a continued hearing regarding a Comprehensive Permit for affordable housing. The board will also consider a special permit and variance for a home addition. Two other hearings are postponed until October 23 due to legal notice issues.

• Continued hearing: Housing Support Inc. proposal for 8 one-bedroom rental units at 276-278-280 Main Street
• New hearing: Special Permit and Variance for a home addition at 15 Third Street
• Postponed: Special Permit for home addition at 17 Fourth Street
• Postponed: Special Permit and Variance for home addition at 282 Lions Mouth Road

The board unanimously accepted the minutes from the September 11 meeting. It approved the draft comprehensive permit for 276‑278‑280 Main Street with a 6‑foot perimeter fence set one foot from the property line (vote 4‑0). The board also approved a variance for 15 Third Street after closing the public hearing (vote 5‑0). The meeting was adjourned at 7:26 p.m. (vote 5‑0).

• Accepted minutes for 9‑11‑25 (unanimously)
• Approved draft decision for 276‑278‑280 Main St. comprehensive permit with 6‑ft fence and setback (4‑0)
• Closed public hearing for 15 Third St. (5‑0)
• Approved variance for 15 Third St. (5‑0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:26 p.m. (5‑0)

Health Care Trust Commission

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Board of Registrars

The Board of Registrars will conduct a random drawing to assign positions on the municipal election ballot. It will also discuss setting a date for ballot testing prior to the election.

• Drawing by lot of position on ballot for Municipal Election
• Discuss date of Ballot Testing for Municipal Election

City Council

The council will vote on an order to place a $6 million operating override on the November 4, 2025 ballot to fund municipal and school services. It will also consider several traffic and parking ordinances, including naming eight city parking lots and adding two stop signs at Market Street and Fern Avenue. Additional items include authorizing the sale of about 4 acres at 24 South Hampton Road and rezoning that property to the R‑8 residential district.

• 2025-089 – Order to place a $6 million operating override on the Nov 4, 2025 ballot
• 2025-090 – Ordinance to amend Traffic and Parking Regulations to name eight city parking lots
• 2025-091 – Ordinance to add two stop signs at Market Street at Fern Avenue
• 2025-082 – Order authorizing disposal of ~4 acres (180,000 SF) at 24 South Hampton Road for housing development
• 2025-083 – Ordinance to rezone two portions of 24 South Hampton Road from OSC to R‑8

The council voted unanimously to place a $6 million operating override on the November 4, 2025 ballot. It also approved a zoning map amendment for 24 South Hampton Road and adopted updates to traffic and parking regulations, including new stop signs. Additional actions included accepting easements for drainage and water infrastructure, transferring $21,000 between city accounts, and continuing the property‑disposition order to the next meeting.

• Approved $6 million operating override (2025-089) – vote 7-0
• Approved zoning map amendment for 24 South Hampton Road (2025-083) – vote 7-0
• Approved traffic and parking regulations amendment (2025-090) – vote 7-0
• Approved addition of two stop signs on Market St. at Fern Ave (2025-091) – vote 7-0
• Approved easement for drainage infrastructure (2025-093) – vote 7-0
• Approved easement for water line and fire hydrant (2025-094) – vote 7-0
• Approved transfer of $21,000 from Salary Reserve to Administration & Finance (2025-096) – vote 7-0
• Continued property‑disposition order to next meeting (2025-082) – vote 6-1

School Committee

The Amesbury School Committee Subcommittee on Policy‑Personnel will first approve the minutes from the June 24, 2025 meeting. It will then review a series of policy items, including educational agency relations, inter‑district relations, the MIAA chemical health policy, and the district gift policy. A dedicated discussion on the use of artificial intelligence in the Amesbury Public Schools will also be held.

• Approve minutes from the June 24, 2025 meeting
• LA – Educational Agency Relations Goals
• LB – Relations with Other Schools and School Districts
• MIAA – Chemical Health Policy
• Discussion – AI Use in APS

Planning Board

The Amesbury Planning Board will hold public hearings on several development sites, including the Rocky Hill Development at 265‑287.5 Elm Street and the National Grid Substation at 9 Alenclair Drive, on September 22, 2025. The board will also discuss administrative matters such as the Master Plan Update, covenants and bonds, and contracts, bills, and invoices. No formal actions are scheduled for the meeting.

• Public hearing for Rocky Hill Development, 265‑287.5 Elm Street (Site Plan Section XI.V)
• Public hearing for National Grid Substation, 9 Alenclair Drive (Site Plan Section XI.C)
• Discussion of Master Plan Update
• Review of Covenants and Bonds
• Review of Contracts, Bills, and Invoices

The Board voted 7-0 to approve the Needham Bank sign application at 1 Haverhill Rd. It also voted 7-0 to take the 9 Alenclair Drive application out of order for discussion. The minutes for the June 23 and July 14 meetings were each approved by a 7-0 vote.

• Approved Needham Bank sign at 1 Haverhill Rd (7-0)
• Moved 9 Alenclair Drive application out of order (7-0)
• Approved 6-23-25 minutes (7-0)
• Approved 7-14-25 minutes (7-0)

School Committee

The School Committee will meet to receive updates on the superintendent search, technology, and the Vision of the Graduate. No votes or formal decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Superintendent Search Update from Mayor Gove
• Vision of the Graduate Update from Dr. Ricci
• Tech Update from Steve Hare

School Committee

The Amesbury School Committee's Long‑range Planning Task Force will continue developing potential consolidation approaches, emphasizing grade reconfiguration. The committee will also compile a list of questions needed to fully understand the implications of those approaches. No decisions are recorded for this meeting.

• Continue developing potential consolidation approaches focusing on grade reconfiguration
• List questions required to assess implications of potential consolidation approaches

School Committee

The Amesbury School Committee’s Long‑range Planning Task Force Fund‑Raising Working Group will view a sample Performance Center seating. Members will develop plans for creating and placing commemorative plaques on the seating, publicizing the sale, and handling transactions. They will also identify questions that must be addressed to implement the fundraising campaign.

• View sample Performance Center seating (Jim McCarthy will lead)
• Develop plans for creating commemorative plaques for the seating
• Plan placement of plaques and publicize the seating sale
• Outline procedures for handling sale transactions
• Identify questions needed to carry out the fundraising campaign

Non-City Boards and Committees

The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission will adopt the June 2025 meeting minutes and consider warrants for June, July, and August 2025. Commissioners will review contract items and receive a presentation on the MVPC Priority Growth Strategy land‑use plan, which they may authorize. The commission will also vote on hiring four staff positions.

• Adoption of June 2025 meeting minutes
• Consideration of warrants for June, July, and August 2025
• Review of contract items
• Presentation and authorization of the MVPC Priority Growth Strategy land‑use plan
• Authorization to hire Christina Herrick, Kendall Traveis, Kay Emery, and Brendan Linard

School Committee

The Amesbury School Committee is meeting to discuss the Chapter 70 funding formula and identify ways to increase awareness of its weaknesses. The group will also determine necessary resources and measures of success.

• Review of Chapter 70 funding formula weaknesses
• Discussion on increasing local and statewide awareness
• Identification of needed resources and success measures

Planning and Development Subcommittee

The Planning and Development Subcommittee will consider authorizing the sale or lease of approximately 4 acres of City-owned property at 24 South Hampton Road and amending the zoning map for the former Amesbury Elementary School site.

• Authorize Mayor to dispose of ~4 acres of property at 24 South Hampton Road
• Amend Amesbury Zoning Map to rezone former school site from OSC to R-8
• Update Traffic and Parking Regulations to list eight City-owned parking lots
• Update Stop Sign Schedule to reflect new All-Way stop control at Market St. and Fern Ave.

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will meet to discuss the Community Preservation Plan. The agenda includes a meeting with members of the Historic Commission.

• Review of July 16th 2025 minutes
• Discussion of Community Preservation Plan with Historic Commission members

The Community Preservation Committee approved the July 16, 2025 meeting minutes with a 7‑0 vote. Members set the next meeting for October 25, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in City Hall Auditorium. The committee then adjourned the session with a unanimous 7‑0 vote.

• Approved July 16, 2025 meeting minutes (vote 7-0)
• Scheduled next meeting for October 25, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
• Adjourned meeting (vote 7-0)

Technical Review Committee

The Amesbury Technical Review Committee will meet to review a proposed development at 265-287.5 Elm Street and a National Grid substation at 9 Alenclair Drive. The meeting is scheduled for September 17, 2025, at 9:30 am in the City Hall Auditorium.

• Review of Rocky Hill Development applications at 265 R, 277 R, 281, 287, 287 R, and 287.5 Elm Street
• Review of National Grid Substation application at 9 Alenclair Drive
• Meeting location: City Hall Auditorium, 62 Friend St.
• Meeting time: 9:30 am on September 17, 2025
• Review of previous committee minutes

The committee reviewed updates on the Rocky Hill Development, including layout changes, storm‑water design, trash collection, trail planning, and parking. Members raised questions about wetland flags, conservation easement maintenance, and emergency access. The National Grid substation expansion application was also presented and discussed. No approvals, denials, or votes were recorded.

Library Board of Trustees

The Amesbury Public Library Fundraising Ad-Hoc Sub‑Committee will meet to review a donor‑software demonstration, decide where the raised funds will be held, receive a messaging update, and finalize the scope and method of the annual appeal. The meeting also includes discussion of upcoming action items and a public comment period.

• Donor software update and demo (presented by Anna)
• Finalize decision of where funds raised will be held
• Messaging subcommittee update
• Finalize scope, method and dissemination of annual appeal
• Discussion of action items for next meeting

The board approved the meeting minutes with all members in favor. Trustees discussed the donor‑software installation and said a virtual demo will be scheduled later. They noted that funds raised will be held by the Friends pending further evaluation and possible investment by the Charitable Trust. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting (all in favor)

Amesbury Housing Authority

The Amesbury & Merrimac Housing Authority will discuss financial items, including an ACH vendor payment for August 2025 and a July 2025 fiscal report. It will receive updates on vacancy, pest control, HUD voucher program, and property tours. The board will review multiple capital improvement change orders, such as Mod phase #007084 and ARPA fire alarm system #007098. A request to move the October board meeting to October 14 will also be considered.

• Vendor ACH payment for August 2025
• Fiscal report for July 2025
• Capital Improvement Change Order #007084 – Mod phase
• Capital Improvement Change Order #007098 – ARPA fire alarm system
• Request to reschedule October board meeting to Oct 14, 2025

Budget and Finance Subcommittee

The Budget and Finance Committee will discuss placing a $6 million operating override on the November 4, 2025 ballot. The body will also review requests for fund transfers, payment of prior year invoices, and the declaration of surplus municipal equipment.

• Order to place a $6 million operating override on the November 4, 2025 ballot
• Transfer of $21,000 from Salary Reserve to Administration & Finance Salaries & Wages
• Request to declare various municipal vehicles and equipment as surplus
• Approval of payments from the FY26 general fund for prior year invoices

Design Review Committee

The Design Review Committee will consider a sign application for Needham Bank located at 1 Haverhill Rd. The committee will also discuss ongoing development applications and evaluate new applications submitted for review. An internal review of the Rocky Hill Development (MFOD) project will be conducted. No final decisions are recorded in the agenda.

• Sign proposal for Needham Bank at 1 Haverhill Rd.
• Continued applications (unspecified)
• New applications (unspecified)
• Internal review of Rocky Hill Development (MFOD)

Non-City Boards and Committees

The Planning/Career Center Committee will meet remotely via Zoom on September 16, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. The agenda includes approving the July 15, 2025 meeting minutes, a performance summary update, a budget update, a career center report, and any other business. Votes are required for the minutes approval and for adjournment.

• Approve minutes of July 15, 2025 meeting (vote required)
• Performance summary update
• Budget update
• Career Center report
• Other business

Board of Health

The Amesbury Board of Health will approve the minutes from the August 19, 2025 meeting. Staff will present updates on rat eradication, regional inspection services, and a regional nurse report. The board will discuss and vote on a revised fee schedule for health services. Additional items include discussion of the board's website and updates to its rules and regulations.

• Approve minutes from August 19, 2025 meeting
• Staff report on current rat eradication efforts
• Discussion and vote on revised health department fee schedule
• Discussion of Board of Health website
• Update to Board of Health Rules and Regulations

The Amesbury Board of Health approved the September 16, 2025 meeting minutes with a unanimous vote. No other actions were taken; the Board scheduled a fee‑schedule vote for the November meeting and will continue work on rule revisions and the health web page. The meeting was adjourned at 7:36 p.m.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Motion to adjourn passed (unanimous)

Ordinance and Administration Committee

The Amesbury City Council Ordinance and Administration Committee will consider selling a portion of the former Amesbury Elementary School property and amending local traffic and parking regulations. The body will also vote to accept easements from a developer for drainage and water infrastructure on Market Street.

• Authorize sale or lease of 4+ acres at 24 South Hampton Road
• Rezone former school property from OSC to R-8 district
• Update traffic regulations to name eight city parking lots
• Add stop signs at Market Street and Fern Avenue
• Accept easements from Newburyport Homes LLC for drainage and water lines

Design Review Committee

The Amesbury Design Review Committee will review signage proposals, continue reviewing the Rocky Hill Development MFOD application, consider any new development applications, and conduct an internal review of pending items. No final decisions are recorded in the agenda.

• Review of signage proposals
• Continued review of Rocky Hill Development MFOD application
• Consideration of new development applications
• Internal review of pending items

Non-City Boards and Committees

The Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss personnel compensation and staffing. The board will also receive updates on DCAMM and the current season.

• Vote on J. Greaney 3-year step increase
• Vote on B. Noone CDL-A stipend
• Vote on K. Foss longevity compensation
• Vote on V. MacLean transition to permanent part-time employee
• DCAMM update

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a continued hearing regarding a Comprehensive Permit for affordable housing units on Main Street. The board will also consider a new variance application for a residential addition and garage at Lake Attitash Road.

• Comprehensive Permit for 8 one-bedroom rental units at 276-278-280 Main Street
• Variance application for an addition and garage at 9 Lake Attitash Road

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved the minutes from July 10 and August 28, 2025 with a unanimous vote. The board also decided to defer review of the housing‑support waivers to later in the meeting. No other motions were voted on.

• Accepted minutes for 7-10-25 and 8-28-25 (unanimous)
• Deferred review of housing‑support waivers to later in the meeting

School Committee

The Long-range Planning Task Force Working Group on Consolidation is meeting to discuss potential approaches to consolidation. The group will review options including regionalization and grade reconfiguration.

• Discussion of regionalization and grade reconfiguration approaches
• Identification of questions regarding the implications of consolidation

School Committee

The Amesbury School Committee will vote to approve the June 12, 2025 SHAY School Council minutes. They will also introduce or update School Council members and review the Council's meeting dates for the 2025‑2026 school year. The agenda includes a briefing on Council roles, quorum requirements, and a review of K‑2 DIBELS assessment data.

• Approve June 12, 2025 SHAY School Council minutes
• Introduce or update School Council members
• Review School Council dates for the 2025‑2026 school year
• Explain Council roles and quorum requirement
• Share and review K‑2 DIBELS data

Library Board of Trustees

The Amesbury Public Library Board of Trustees will consider the meeting minutes and reports on communications, the Friends of the Library, the library budget, and ongoing facilities projects such as the window restoration and birch tree. The board will also receive updates from the director and sub‑committees and discuss new business, including Council Order 2025‑089.

• Secretary’s Minutes
• Budget Report
• Facilities Report and Capital Projects Update – window restoration project
• Facilities Report – birch tree update
• New Business – update on Council Order 2025-089

The trustees accepted the previous meeting's minutes by unanimous vote. The application to the National Register was approved unanimously. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.

• Accepted prior minutes (unanimous)
• Approved National Register application (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will discuss placing a $6 million operating override on the November 4, 2025 ballot to fund essential services. The body is also considering ordinances regarding city parking lot definitions and the installation of a four-way stop at Market Street and Fern Avenue.

• Proposed $6 million operating override for the November 4, 2025 ballot
• Ordinance to define eight city-owned parking lots, including 5 Market St.
• Proposed all-way stop control at Market Street and Fern Avenue
• Two easements from Newburyport Homes LLC for property at 101-107 Market Street
• Transfer of $21,000 from Salary Reserve to Administration & Finance for a part-time position

The council voted 5‑3 to adopt Administrative Order 2025-02, which reorganizes city government. All four mayoral appointments were approved unanimously. The operating‑override measure for the November ballot was referred to the Budget & Finance Subcommittee with a 5‑3 vote. Several ordinances and the September license list were also approved or referred.

• Approved Administrative Order 2025-02 to reorganize city government (5-3)
• Approved appointment 2025-097: Christopher Lane to Design Review Committee (8-0)
• Approved appointment 2025-086: Jarod LaVarnway to Board of Health (8-0)
• Approved appointment 2025-087: Cynthia Costello to Council of Aging Board (8-0)
• Approved appointment 2025-088: Jay Williamson to Historical Commission (8-0)
• Approved September 9, 2025 license list (8-0)
• Referred 2025-089 operating override to Budget & Finance Subcommittee, second reading Sep 23 (5-3)
• Referred 2025-090 traffic and parking definitions ordinance to O&A and P&D, second reading Sep 23 (7-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a new public hearing regarding a Zoning Ordinance Map Amendment. The board will also discuss the disposal of 24 S Hampton Rd and a site plan for 38-40 Prospect Street.

• Bill 2025-082: Order to Dispose of 24 S Hampton Rd (former AES)
• Bill 2025-083: Public hearing for Zoning Ordinance Map Amendment
• 38-40 Prospect Street: Continued public hearing for Site Plan and Special Permit
• Bond releases for 65 Market St and 130 Market St
• Covenant release for 101-107 Market St

The Board approved the September 6, 2025 meeting minutes by a 5‑0 vote. It then voted 5‑0 to send a positive recommendation for Bill 2025-082, which proposes rezoning and disposal of a 14‑acre property on South Hampton Road, to the City Council. The recommendation moves the project toward an RFP process for redevelopment.

• Approved September 6, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Recommended Bill 2025-082 to City Council (5-0)

Cultural Council

The council unanimously approved the August meeting minutes. It also approved a $2,000 payment for music at Open Studios and a marketing budget of up to $5,700 for the same program. A permit for a raffle was approved and the Trails and Sails open house was cancelled for the year. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved August minutes (unanimous)
• Approved $2,000 payment for music for Open Studios (unanimous)
• Approved up to $5,700 for Open Studios marketing (unanimous)
• Approved permit for raffle at City Hall (unanimous)
• Approved banner permits for Open Studios (unanimous)
• Cancelled Trails and Sails open house for this year (decision announced)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Energy Committee

The committee reviewed the ongoing interview process for the Energy Manager position and identified a list of short‑, medium‑ and long‑term priorities for the role, including EV chargers, solar credits, community power contracts, fleet electrification and recycling programs. No votes or approvals were recorded, and the meeting concluded with a unanimous adjournment.

Technical Review Committee

The committee voted to accept the amended Construction Management and Monitoring Plan (CMMP) for 26 Friend Street, including an updated exhibit. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved amended CMMP for 26 Friend St. (unanimous)
• Approved adjournment of meeting (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Amesbury Conservation Commission unanimously released bonds for projects that have received Certificates of Compliance. It also unanimously approved an emergency certification for tree removal at 6 Dennett Street and approved a modification request for 471 Main Street. Several items were continued to the October 6, 2025 meeting, including NOI ACC-25-1, ANRAD 002-1350, RDA 8 Noel Road, the mitigation plan for Merrimac Street, and RCOC 002-1140.

• Released bonds for projects with Certificates of Compliance (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved Emergency Certification for tree removal at 6 Dennett Street (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved modification request 002-1349 for 471 Main Street (rollcall, all members YES)
• Continued NOI ACC-25-1 61 Lake Attitash Way until Oct 6, 2025 (rollcall, all members YES)
• Continued ANRAD 002-1350 131 Haverhill Road until Oct 6, 2025 (rollcall, all members YES)
• Continued RDA 8 Noel Road until Oct 6, 2025 (rollcall, all members YES)
• Continued mitigation plan for Merrimac Street tree removal until Oct 6, 2025 (rollcall, all members YES)
• Continued RCOC 002-1140 28 Lake Attitash Road until Oct 6, 2025 (rollcall, all members YES)

Liquor License Commission

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the July 7, 2025 meeting. It also unanimously approved Shree Raavee, Inc.'s application for a new Section 15 wine/malt license. No other substantive actions were decided; the commission discussed future fee changes and renewal scheduling but did not vote on them.

• Approved July 7, 2025 minutes (2-0)
• Approved Section 15 wine/malt license for Shree Raavee, Inc. (2-0)

Retirement Board

The board unanimously approved a PTG contract amendment that secures a two‑year price freeze for the hosting agreement. It also denied liability for a non‑member employee, appointed the retirement administrator as election officer, hired primary and secondary legal counsel, set the 2026 December meeting for Dec 17, continued discussion of cybersecurity insurance, and approved several financial warrants and reports.

• Moved correspondence to start of meeting (unanimous)
• Denied liability for Sandra Reiniger’s non‑member service (unanimous)
• Approved PTG contract amendment with two‑year price freeze (unanimous)
• Appointed Laura Angus as Election Officer (unanimous)
• Hired Sacco & Collins, P.C. as primary counsel and Murphy, Hesse, Toomey & Lehane, LLP as secondary counsel (unanimous)
• Approved December 2026 meeting date of Dec 17 (unanimous)
• Continued cybersecurity insurance matter to September meeting (unanimous)
• Approved August 2025 payroll, cash disbursements, vendor payment warrants and related reports (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals lacked a quorum and set a special meeting for September 11, 2025. It voted 5-0 to continue the 276 Main St housing support permit and the 9 Lake Attitash Rd variance to that meeting, and to accept the withdrawal of the 11 Whitewood Circle special permit. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Continue 276 Main St housing support permit (5-0)
• Continue 9 Lake Attitash Rd variance (5-0)
• Accept withdrawal of 11 Whitewood Circle special permit (5-0)
• Adjourn meeting (5-0)

Non-City Boards and Committees

The MassHire Merrimack Valley Workforce Board is holding a special remote meeting. The board will vote on the FY26 Annual Plan for submission to the City of Lawrence Mayor and MDCS by August 29, 2025.

• Approval of the MMVWB FY26 Annual Plan

Library Board of Trustees

The Library Board of Trustees Communications Subcommittee will meet to review minutes and discuss fundraising efforts, outreach to elected officials, and a plan for communicating about upcoming facility needs.

• Review of communications subcommittee minutes
• Discussion of fundraising committee letter
• Outreach to elected officials
• IMLS advocacy discussion
• Upcoming project communication plan

Community Preservation Committee

The committee approved the minutes from the July 16, 2025 meeting with a 6‑0 vote (one member abstained). It also approved payment of the Community Preservation Coalition invoice by a unanimous 7‑0 vote. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously with an 8‑0 vote.

• Approved July 16, 2025 minutes (vote 6-0, AL abstained)
• Approved payment of Community Preservation Coalition invoice (vote 7-0)
• Adjourned meeting (vote 8-0)

Technical Review Committee

The committee reviewed the 26 Friend St. construction project, discussing parking, fence, dumpster, sidewalk closures, and access issues. No formal approvals or denials were recorded. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous motion.

• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously

Health Care Trust Commission

The Amesbury Health Care Trust Commission will meet at City Hall to discuss medical insurance options and employee benefits. The agenda includes reviewing insurance proposals and discussing employee health coverage.

• Review medical insurance proposals
• Discuss employee health coverage
• Meet at City Hall, 62 Friend Street

The commission accepted the July minutes unanimously. It approved five financial assistance applications totaling $2001, $461.35, $710, $172.94 and $340-75. The meeting was adjourned at 2:35 p.m. and the next meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, September 24.

• Accepted July minutes – approved unanimously
• Approved $2001 for Hampton Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry
• Approved $461.35 for Genter Point Dental
• Approved $710 for Anna Jacques InPatient Specialist
• Approved $172.94 for Salisbury Dental
• Approved $340-75 for Sports Medicine Atlantic Orthopedics
• Motion to adjourn – approved

Design Review Committee

The Design Review Committee will meet to discuss new and continued development applications. The agenda includes a review of a project at 5 and 9 School Street and a continued application for Rocky Hill Development.

• Continued application: Rocky Hill Development
• New application: 5 and 9 School Street

Board of Health

The Board approved the August 19, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. Members agreed to update the Board of Health web page and create an Instagram account to improve public access to information. Discussion of the Ekiomille rat eradication trial program was postponed to the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned after a motion by the chair.

• Approved August 19, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Agreed to update Board of Health website and add Instagram account
• Postponed discussion of Ekiomille rat eradication trial program to next meeting
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed, seconded)

Library Board of Trustees

The Library Board approved the meeting minutes unanimously in both sessions. The Friends of the Library voted unanimously to move forward with Little Green Light as the donor‑software platform. Both meetings were adjourned by unanimous motion.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous vote)
• Adopt Little Green Light donor software (unanimous vote)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:38 pm (unanimous vote)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:34 pm (unanimous vote)

Library Board of Trustees

The Library Board unanimously accepted the July meeting minutes. It approved a half‑hour delayed opening for monthly staff meetings, adjusted library hours on Oct 27‑28 for conference attendance, and authorized use of unrestricted trust funds to hire a leadership coach for the director. All votes were unanimous.

• Accepted July minutes (unanimous)
• Approved half‑hour delayed opening for monthly staff meetings (unanimous)
• Approved adjusted hours on Oct 27 (9:30 am‑5 pm) and Oct 28 (12 pm‑8 pm) for conference attendance (unanimous)
• Approved use of unrestricted trust funds for director’s leadership coaching (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors approved the July 15 meeting minutes and accepted the Motor Vehicle Excise Abatement Reports for July 16‑31 and August 1‑12. The Board entered and later closed an Executive Session to discuss non‑public records, then adjourned the meeting. All actions passed unanimously.

• Approved July 15 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted Motor Vehicle Excise Abatement Reports for July 16‑31 and Aug 1‑12 (unanimous)
• Entered Executive Session to discuss non‑public records (unanimous)
• Closed Executive Session and reconvened Open Session (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved sign applications for 37 Clarks Road and 26 Market Street, each by a 6‑0 vote. It continued the public hearing for 38‑40 Prospect Street to the September 8 meeting, also by 6‑0. The Board approved the site‑plan for 28 Back River Road with a stipulation that any changes to the building façade or footprint must be resubmitted, and then closed that hearing, both votes 6‑0. The meeting adjourned after a final 6‑0 vote.

• Approved sign application for 37 Clarks Road (amended) – 6-0
• Approved sign application for 26 Market St (amended) – 6-0
• Continued public hearing for 38-40 Prospect St to Sep 8, 2025 – 6-0
• Approved site‑plan for 28 Back River Rd with stipulation on façade/footprint changes – 6-0
• Closed public hearing for 28 Back River Rd site‑plan – 6-0
• Approved minutes from 5‑12‑25 Planning Board meeting – 6-0
• Adjourned meeting at 7:47 pm – 6-0

Cultural Council

The Cultural Council unanimously approved a set of funding priorities for 2026, including free musical performances, visual arts and folk‑craft workshops, cultural festivals, public art, and downtown placemaking. The council also approved a $200 purchase of supplies for the Cultural Center, a $100 budget for Save‑the‑Date postcards, and a reimbursement of $50.46 to AJ for exhibit frames. Additionally, the council voted to waive fees for events for holders of EBT, WIC, and similar cards.

• Approved July minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 cultural funding priorities (unanimous)
• Approved $200 for Cultural Center supplies (unanimous)
• Approved $100 budget for Save‑the‑Date postcards (unanimous)
• Approved reimbursement of $50.46 to AJ (unanimous)
• Approved waiver of fees for EBT, WIC, and similar cards (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission approved several continuances to September 2, 2025, and voted to approve the Cedar Street roof‑drainage project. It lifted an enforcement order for South Hunt Road and issued a partial Certificate of Compliance with a two‑year monitoring requirement. The commission also ratified an emergency certification for tree removal at 14 Merrimack Street, requiring an after‑the‑fact notice of intent.

• Continuance approved for NOI ACC-25-1 6 Lake Attitash Way (unanimous)
• Continuance approved for ANRAD 002-1350 131 Haverhill Road (unanimous)
• Approved NOI 002-1351 15 & 22 Cedar Street (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing for NOI 002-1351 15 & 22 Cedar Street (unanimous)
• Lifted Enforcement Order 002-1299 12-14 South Hunt Road (5‑0‑1 abstain)
• Issued Partial COC for 002-1299 12 & 14 South Hunt Road with 2‑year monitoring (unanimous)
• Ratified Emergency Certification for 14 Merrimack Street, requiring after‑the‑fact NOI (unanimous)
• Approved fee waiver for RCOC 002-1120 8 Birch Lane (unanimous)

Retirement Board

The Amesbury Retirement Board approved four new member enrollments and a refund request for Richard A. Ricci, Jr. It approved several retirement account transfers and the voluntary superannuation retirement of Janet Moyer. The board also postponed discussions on COLA base increase, cybersecurity insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, PTG contract amendment, and the six‑month budget review to the August meeting.

• Approved new member enrollments for four city employees (unanimous)
• Approved refund of $823.06 to Richard A. Ricci, Jr. (unanimous)
• Denied liability for non‑member service of Gabriela S. Scarpelli (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of Daniel R. Merz’s account to Massachusetts Teachers’ Retirement System (unanimous)
• Accepted transfer in of Joshua L. Webber’s account from Boston Retirement System (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of Shauna Rena Gonthier’s account to Newburyport Retirement System (unanimous)
• Denied liability for non‑member service of Shauna Rena Gonthier (unanimous)
• Approved voluntary superannuation retirement for Janet Moyer (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Board voted to approve the ANR plan for 39‑41 Hillside Avenue. The motion passed unanimously with a 6‑0 vote. Other agenda items were presentations and discussions about 5 & 9 School St. and the Clarks Road development, but no formal actions were taken on those items.

• Approved ANR plan for 39-41 Hillside Ave (6-0)

Health Care Trust Commission

The commission unanimously approved the June meeting minutes. A motion to adjourn was made. The current balance was reported as $156,873.36 and six new applications were received; Deb will update the application form.

• June minutes accepted (unanimous)
• Adjournment motion made (outcome not recorded)

City Council

The council approved the purchase of land at 128 Kimball Road for $211,935 and accepted a $122,661 state grant to fund the acquisition. It also approved an easement at 12 Elizabeth Street, created a crosswalk ordinance at Merrimack River Condominiums, and adopted a twinning resolution with Amesbury, Wiltshire. Several items were referred for further reading and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved 2025-072 appropriation of $211,935 for 128 Kimball Road land purchase (6-0)
• Approved 2025-073 grant acceptance of $122,661 for water supply protection (6-0)
• Approved 2025-053 easement acceptance at 12 Elizabeth Street (6-0)
• Approved 2025-074 crosswalk ordinance with code changes (4-1-1)
• Approved 2025-084 twinning resolution with Amesbury, Wiltshire (6-0)
• Took 2025-081 out of order (5-1)
• Referred 2025-082 to committees for second reading (6-0)
• Referred 2025-083 to committees for second reading (6-0)

Community Preservation Committee

The committee approved the April 10, 2025 minutes unanimously and appointed Mel Webster as minute taker. It adopted a goal to open the first community‑preservation project application cycle in September 2026, also unanimously. The board agreed to invite recreation‑department representatives to its November meeting, set the next meeting for August 20, and adjourned the session.

• Approved minutes of April 10, 2025 (8-0)
• Tabled minutes of May 21 and July 18 (no vote recorded)
• Appointed Mel Webster as minute taker (8-0)
• Set goal to open first project application cycle in September 2026 (8-0)
• Agreed to invite recreation department reps to November meeting
• Scheduled next meeting for 8/20 at 6 p.m.
• Adjourned meeting (8-0)

Technical Review Committee

The Technical Review Committee reviewed the pre‑application for 27.5‑29 Clarks Road and the 5‑9 School Street projects. Members asked questions about wetlands, traffic, parking, fire code, and historic restoration, and noted items that will require further study or coordination with city departments. No approvals, rejections, or votes were recorded.

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors opened the meeting, approved the May 20 minutes, and accepted the Motor Vehicle Excise Abatement Reports for May‑July 2025. They entered and later closed an executive session to discuss non‑public records, then adjourned the meeting.

• Opened meeting (unanimous)
• Approved May 20 Open Session minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted Motor Vehicle Excise Abatement Reports (unanimous)
• Entered Executive Session to review executive minutes and non‑public records (unanimous)
• Closed Executive Session and reconvened Open Session (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Budget and Finance Subcommittee

The subcommittee approved the June 17, 2025 meeting minutes by a 3‑0 vote. It then voted 2‑1 to return Order 2025‑081, which appropriates $5,000 for temporary private‑way repairs, to the full City Council with a positive recommendation. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous 3‑0 vote.

• Approved June 17, 2025 minutes (3-0)
• Returned Order 2025-081 to City Council with positive recommendation (2-1)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Planning Board

The Board approved the site plan and special permit application for 26 Friend St by a 5‑0‑1 vote. It also approved an ANR for 201 Elm St unanimously. The Board sent Bill 2025‑053 to City Council with a positive recommendation, also unanimously. The Board motioned to approve new Planning Board rules and regulations as drafted on June 24, 2025.

• Approved site plan and special permit for 26 Friend St (5-0-1)
• Approved ANR for 201 Elm St (7-0)
• Sent Bill 2025-053 to City Council with positive recommendation (7-0)
• Motioned to approve Planning Board rules and regulations (draft June 24, 2025)
• Closed public hearing for 26 Friend St site plan (6-0)
• David Frick recused from 26 Friend St vote
• Tracey Chalifour abstained on 26 Friend St vote
• Motioned to close public hearing for 26 Friend St (6-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The board approved the special permit application for 58 Pleasant Valley Road with a 4‑1 vote. Earlier, the board unanimously approved the minutes from the May 22, 2025 meeting. The public hearing was closed by a unanimous motion. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved minutes from 05/22/25 meeting (unanimous 4-0-1)
• Closed public hearing (unanimous)
• Approved special permit for 58 Pleasant Valley Road (4-1)

Library Board of Trustees

The trustees unanimously accepted the minutes from the June meeting with edits. Bernadette Lucas tendered her resignation, which was accepted unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:02 pm by unanimous vote.

• Accepted June meeting minutes with edits (unanimous)
• Accepted Bernadette Lucas resignation (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:02 pm (unanimous)

Trustees of War Memorials

The trustees unanimously approved using the Soldier’s Memorial Trust Fund to cover the $1,850 cost of the Franco‑American Flagpole quote. They also named Paul Cote as the designee to authorize that payment when the invoice arrives. The board approved the Eagle Scout project to install benches at Sumner Goldsmith Park, pending DPW placement approval. The next meeting was scheduled for September 30, 2025.

• Approved use of Soldier’s Memorial Trust Fund for $1,850 Franco‑American Flagpole quote (4‑0)
• Designated Paul Cote to authorize payment of the Franco‑American Flagpole invoice (4‑0)
• Approved Eagle Scout project to place benches at Sumner Goldsmith Park, pending DPW placement (4‑0)
• Set next meeting for September 30, 2025 at 6 pm (4‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (4‑0)

City Council

The council approved the June 24 and July 1 meeting minutes and confirmed several mayoral appointments, including John Rogers to the Zoning Board, Janice Pawlick and Arthur Levine to the Council of Aging Board, and Robert Serino as fire chief. Councilors also created an Ad Hoc Clerk Study Committee and withdrew a proposed Go Slow Children signage order. A $5,000 appropriation from the Streets and Sidewalks Stabilization Fund was approved and referred to the Budget and Finance Subcommittee, and the meeting adjourned at 8:12 PM.

• Approved June 24 & July 1 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved appointment of John Rogers to Zoning Board (6-0)
• Approved appointment of Janice Pawlick to Council of Aging Board (6-0)
• Approved appointment of Arthur Levine to Council of Aging Board (6-0)
• Approved appointment of Robert Serino as Fire Chief (6-0)
• Created Ad Hoc Clerk Study Committee (6-0)
• Withdrawn Go Slow Children signage order 2025-046 (5-0)
• Approved $5,000 appropriation and referred to Budget subcommittee (5-0)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission approved a continuance for the Lake Attitash Way NOI to August 4, 2025. It approved the Goddard Consulting proposal for peer review of the 131 Haverhill Road project. Several certifications, modifications, and a mowing‑schedule endorsement were also ratified.

• Continuance approved for NOI ACC-25-1 6 Lake Attitash Way to Aug 4, 2025 (unanimous)
• Goddard Consulting proposal approved for peer review of ANRAD 002-1350 131 Haverhill Road (4 YES, 0 NO, 2 ABSTAIN)
• Continuance approved for RCOC 002-1299 12-14 South Hunt Road to Aug 4, 2025 (unanimous)
• RCOC 002-1336 5 Albion Street approved (6 YES)
• Minor modification for 002-1337 31 Newton Road approved (6 YES)
• Statement endorsing Bobolink report and rotational mowing schedule approved (6 YES)
• Emergency Certification for 15 Middle Road ratified (6 YES)
• Emergency Certification for 91 High Street ratified (6 YES)

Liquor License Commission

The Liquor License Commission unanimously approved the Section 12 All Alcohol license for Forrest Hill Brewing Company (Mill 77). It also unanimously approved the minutes from June 9 and July 1. Members agreed to consider changing one‑day license fees to $50 for wine/malt and $0 for all‑alcohol starting Jan 1 2026, with further research. Derek was named chair of the commission by a 3‑0 vote.

• Approved minutes from June 9 (3‑0 unanimous)
• Approved minutes from July 1 (3‑0 unanimous)
• Approved Section 12 All Alcohol license for Mill 77 (3‑0 unanimous)
• Agreed to consider $50 wine/malt and $0 all‑alcohol one‑day license fees starting 2026 (consensus, pending research)
• Named Derek as chair of the commission (3‑0 unanimous)
• Motion to adjourn meeting passed (3‑0 unanimous)

City Council

The council unanimously approved the minutes from the May‑June meetings. A motion to adjourn was also passed unanimously. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved May 15, May 20, May 21, May 28, and June 3 minutes (6‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (6‑0)

City Council

Councilors voted to suspend Rule 5D so new business could be taken up. They then approved Resolution 2025-076 to support the city's application for a state PARC grant for the Brian Eldredge Memorial Skate Park. The meeting was adjourned shortly afterward.

• Suspended Rule 5D to allow new business (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 2025-076 for PARC grant support (8-0)
• Adjourned meeting (8-0)

Liquor License Commission

The Liquor License Commission moved the minutes‑approval item to the end of the agenda by unanimous vote. It approved Mill 77’s Farmer’s Series Pouring Permit and postponed the hearing on Mill 77’s Section 12 All Alcohol license to a future meeting, also unanimously. The commission then approved a new Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages license for Amesbury Gas and Convenience Inc. at 23 Rocky Hill Road. All motions passed unanimously.

• Moved minutes‑approval item to end of agenda (unanimous)
• Approved Farmer’s Series Pouring Permit for Mill 77 (unanimous)
• Continued hearing on Mill 77 Section 12 All Alcohol license to future date (unanimous)
• Approved Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages license for Amesbury Gas & Convenience (unanimous)

Retirement Board

The Amesbury Retirement Board unanimously approved a new member enrollment for City of Amesbury/Inspections inspector Joseph Neipp. It also approved several member refund and rollover requests, a transfer of Vanessa L. Nugent’s account, and six voluntary superannuation retirements, all by unanimous vote. The board voted 4‑yea‑1‑absent to decline purchasing the ESS service at this time.

• Approved new member enrollment for Joseph Neipp (unanimous)
• Approved $6,952.77 refund to Shana R. Annon (unanimous)
• Approved $23,185.28 refund to Tyler K. Chase (unanimous)
• Approved $18,675.25 refund and $20,000 rollover for Jennifer L. Machado (unanimous)
• Approved $93,375.41 rollover for Timothy J. McCue (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of Vanessa L. Nugent’s $46,580.41 account to State Retirement System (unanimous)
• Approved six voluntary superannuation retirements (unanimous)
• Voted 4 yeas, 1 absent to not purchase ESS service (motion by David Van Dam, seconded by Shaunna Ring)

Trustees of War Memorials

The Trustees approved the minutes from the April 22 meeting unanimously. They also approved a $1,265 payment for the flagpole invoice using the trust account, with a 4‑0 vote. The next meeting was scheduled for July 8, 2025 at 6:30 pm, and the session was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved April 22 minutes (unanimous 4‑0)
• Approved $1,265 payment for flagpole invoice from trust account (unanimous 4‑0)
• Scheduled next meeting for July 8, 2025 at 6:30 pm (set)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous 4‑0)

City Council

The Amesbury City Council rejected a proposed no‑parking ordinance on Lafayette Street (8‑0). It continued consideration of a Go‑Slow signage order and a Powwow Weir presentation. The council accepted and approved the wetlands and floodplain ordinance, and approved several budget and operational orders, including copier lease authority, Community Preservation Act reserves, an animal‑control agreement, and sewer fund appropriation. A resolution supporting LGBTQ+ Pride Month was also approved (8‑0).

• Rejected 2025-045 No Parking ordinance (8‑0)
• Continued 2025-046 Go‑Slow children signage order to July 8 (8‑0)
• Accepted and approved 2025-054 Wetlands and Floodplain ordinance (8‑0)
• Approved 2025-060 Copier lease purchase authority (8‑0)
• Approved 2025-063 Community Preservation Act reserve allocations (8‑0)
• Approved 2025-068 One‑year renewal of animal‑control agreement with Salisbury (8‑0)
• Approved 2025‑071 $122,000 sewer retained earnings appropriation (8‑0)
• Approved 2025‑075 Resolution supporting LGBTQ+ Pride Month (8‑0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved the revised sign package for Life Wellness at 100 Macy St. and the sign package for Juice House at 21 Water St., each by a 6‑0 vote. A motion to send a positive recommendation on the drainage easement (Bill 2025‑053) failed with a 3‑3 tie. The Board then approved a motion to request additional information and legal review on the easement, passing 6‑0.

• Approved Life Wellness sign package at 100 Macy St. (6-0)
• Approved Juice House sign package at 21 Water St. (6-0)
• Motion to send positive recommendation on Bill 2025-053 easement failed (3-3)
• Motion to request additional information on Bill 2025-053 passed (6-0)

Community Preservation Committee

The commission tentatively agreed to hold meetings with the Open Space and Recreation department in August, the Historic Commission in September, and the Housing Authority in October to discuss priority projects. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous vote on a motion by Jay Williamson, seconded by Suzanne Egan. No other formal approvals or denials were recorded.

• Tentatively agreed to meet with Open Space & Recreation (August)
• Tentatively agreed to meet with Historic Commission (September)
• Tentatively agreed to meet with Housing Authority (October)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Health Care Trust Commission

The commission unanimously accepted the May minutes. It approved Case 2025-05-01 for Salisbury Dental, with the payment amount to be determined after a June 25 appointment. It denied Case 2025-06-01 because the client used a credit card, and approved a $375 payment to Cataldo Ambulance Service. The next meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, July 23.

• Minutes accepted unanimously
• July meeting set for Wednesday, July 23
• Case 2025-05-01 approved; payment amount to be determined after June 25 appointment
• Case 2025-06-01 denied due to credit‑card payment issue
• Case 2025-03-05 approved $375 payment to Cataldo Ambulance Service

Budget and Finance Subcommittee

The Budget & Finance Subcommittee voted 3-0 to return eight orders to the City Council with positive recommendations, including a lease‑purchase agreement for copiers, Community Preservation Fund reservations for FY2025 and FY2026, a renewal of the animal‑control agreement with Salisbury, extra snow‑and‑ice funding, inter‑departmental fund transfers, a sewer operating appropriation, the purchase of land at 128 Kimball Road, and acceptance of a state grant for water‑supply protection. All motions were unanimously approved (3-0). No public comments were made.

• 2025-060 lease‑purchase agreements for new copiers returned with positive recommendation (3-0)
• 2025-063 FY2025 Community Preservation Fund reserves returned with positive recommendation (3-0)
• 2025-064 FY2026 Community Preservation Fund reserves and admin fee returned with positive recommendation (3-0)
• 2025-068 renewal of inter‑municipal animal‑control agreement with Salisbury returned with positive recommendation (3-0)
• 2025-069 appropriation of $449,940.23 for snow & ice expenditures returned with positive recommendation (3-0)
• 2025-070 inter‑departmental transfers of general fund appropriations (redline version) returned with positive recommendation (3-0)
• 2025-072 purchase of land and building at 128 Kimball Road for water protection returned with positive recommendation (3-0)
• 2025-073 acceptance of $122,661 grant for drinking‑water supply protection returned with positive recommendation (3-0)

Ordinance and Administration Committee

The subcommittee approved the minutes from the April 14 and June 9 meetings. It voted to return ordinance 2025‑045, which would ban parking on the Lafayette Street median, to the City Council with a negative recommendation. The committee also returned ordinances 2025‑053 (easement at 12 Elizabeth Street), 2025‑068 (animal‑control agreement with Salisbury), and 2025‑072 (purchase of 128 Kimball Road) to the City Council with positive recommendations, the latter pending a typographical correction. The meeting was adjourned at 8:03 PM.

• Approved minutes from April 14 meeting (2-0, Wheeler abstained)
• Approved minutes from June 9 meeting (3-0)
• Returned 2025‑045 to City Council with negative recommendation (3-0)
• Returned 2025‑053 to City Council with positive recommendation (3-0)
• Returned 2025‑068 to City Council with positive recommendation (3-0)
• Returned 2025‑072 to City Council with positive recommendation pending typographical edit (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:03 PM (3-0)

Council on Aging Board

The Board voted to accept the minutes from the May 8, 2025 meeting, with a unanimous vote. All other items were informational reports or program announcements, and no further motions were taken. The next regular meeting is scheduled for August 14, 2025.

• Accepted May 8, 2025 minutes (unanimous)

Library Board of Trustees

The trustees approved the board minutes with edits, as moved by Brenda and seconded by Anne, with a unanimous vote. They also approved the April sub‑committee minutes, moved by Mak and seconded by Anne, unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous motion from Mak, seconded by Mary. No other substantive actions were decided.

• Accepted board minutes with edits (unanimous)
• Accepted April sub‑committee minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The council adopted the FY26 operating budget, approving a total appropriation of $92,459,026. Individual budgets for the general fund, public schools, library, water, sewer, and cable public access were also approved, with most votes 8‑1 and the cable budget unanimous. Several orders and appropriations were referred to committees for later readings.

• Approved total appropriation $92,459,026 (8-1)
• Approved general fund appropriation $83,841,959 (8-1)
• Approved Amesbury Public School budget $39,842,711 (8-1)
• Approved Library budget $937,670 (8-0)
• Approved Water budget $4,843,166 (8-1)
• Approved Sewer budget $3,448,901 (8-1)
• Approved Cable Public Access budget $325,000 (9-0)
• Approved 2025-047 free‑cash appropriation (8-0)

Cultural Council

The Cultural Council approved the May meeting minutes with an amendment to change a motion, and the motion passed unanimously. The council then moved to adjourn the meeting, which also passed unanimously. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Approved May meeting minutes with amendment (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board voted 7-0 to approve the revised sign package for Grind and Go Café at 68 Haverhill Road. The Board also voted 7-0 to continue Bill 2025-053, a drainage easement request for 12 Elizabeth St., to the June 23 meeting. Minutes from the March 24, April 14, and April 28 meetings were each approved by the Board.

• Approved revised sign package for Grind and Go Café at 68 Haverhill Rd (7-0)
• Continued Bill 2025-053 drainage easement request for 12 Elizabeth St. to June 23 (7-0)
• Approved minutes from March 24, 2025 meeting (6-0-1)
• Approved minutes from April 14, 2025 meeting (7-0)
• Approved minutes from April 28, 2025 meeting (7-0)

Ordinance and Administration Committee

The Ordinance & Administration Subcommittee voted 3-0 to refer bill 2025-054, the wetlands and floodplain protection ordinance amendment, back to the City Council with a positive recommendation and to provide any redline edits for the Council's June 24 meeting. The committee also voted 3-0 to adjourn the meeting.

• Referred bill 2025-054 to City Council with positive recommendation (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Liquor License Commission

The commission approved the minutes from the April 29, 2025 meeting. It then unanimously granted a Section 12 All Alcohol license to 31 Main, Inc., operating as NuNaMi Bistro at 31 Main Street. The commission also set the next meeting for July 1, 2025, and adjourned the session.

• Approved April 29, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Section 12 All Alcohol license for 31 Main, Inc. (NuNaMi Bistro) (unanimous)
• Set next meeting for July 1, 2025 at 5 pm (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:18 pm (unanimous)

Energy Committee

The Energy, Environment & Sustainability Committee unanimously approved the May minutes with minor adjustments. No formal actions were taken on EV charger contracts, fleet electrification, or recycling issues; those items remain pending. The committee set the next meeting for July 15 and will skip the August meeting. The meeting adjourned unanimously at 6:37 pm.

• Approved May minutes (unanimous)
• Scheduled July 15 meeting; August meeting cancelled (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Technical Review Committee

The Technical Review Committee voted unanimously to support the 26 Friend St. project, requiring the applicant to meet with OCED and DPW before a building permit is issued and to submit a CMMP to the committee prior to construction. The committee also approved its own meeting minutes from May 7, 2025, with typo corrections. The meeting was adjourned at 10:21 am.

• Approved project with conditions (unanimous)
• Required applicant to meet with OCED and DPW before building permit (unanimous)
• Required Planning Board to have CMMP submitted to TRC before construction (unanimous)
• Approved May 7, 2025 TRC minutes with typo corrections (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:21 am (unanimous)

City Council

The council adopted the FY26 operating budget, recommending a total appropriation of $92,459,026, including $81,085,559 to be raised by taxation and $2,756,400 from other sources. The motion passed 7-1, with Councilor Wheeler opposing. The council also approved library expense items and accepted $82,904,289 of unquestioned items and $83,841,959 for the General Fund.

• Approved Library Personal Services $701,985 (7-0)
• Approved Library Other Expenses $235,685 (7-0)
• Approved Total Library $937,670 (7-0)
• Accepted and recommended unquestioned items $82,904,289 (7-1, Wheeler opposed)
• Accepted and recommended Total General Fund $83,841,959 (7-1, Wheeler opposed)
• Recommended FY26 appropriation $92,459,026 (7-1, Wheeler opposed)
• Continued May minutes to July 3, 2025 (8-0)
• Adjourned meeting (8-0)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission unanimously approved the NOI for 471 Main Street, issued its OOC, and closed the public hearing. It also approved a continuation of the Lake Attitash Way application, approved RDA 54 Lake Attitash Road, issued positive and negative determinations for multiple RDAs, approved a peer review of the Haverhill Road wetland delineation, and approved the certificate of compliance for 13 Merrill Road.

• Approved NOI 002-1349 471 Main Street and issued OOC (4 yes)
• Closed public hearing for NOI 002-1349 471 Main Street (4 yes)
• Continued NOI ACC-25-1 6 Lake Attitash Way until July 7, 2025 (4 yes)
• Approved RDA 54 Lake Attitash Road (3 yes, 1 abstain)
• Issued Positive Determination for RDA 15 Cedar Street (4 yes)
• Issued Negative Determination for RDA 77 Whitehall Road (4 yes)
• Issued Negative Determination for RDA 28 Back River Road (4 yes)
• Approved peer review of wetland delineation for 131 Haverhill Road (4 yes)

Retirement Board

The Amesbury Retirement Board unanimously approved new member enrollments, several buyback payments, multiple account transfers, refund requests, and retirement applications. It also approved a study for COLA increases and the legal notice and RFP for legal services. The meeting was adjourned at 2:30 PM after all business was completed.

• Approved new member enrollments for three city employees (unanimous)
• Approved buyback payment of $20,799.13 for Nancy J. Marshall (unanimous)
• Approved buyback payment of $20,420.65 for Patrick T. Knott (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of $6,788.10 for Karen L. McCloskey to Andover Retirement System (unanimous)
• Approved transfer-in of $111.44 for Karen C. Robbins from Essex Regional Retirement System (unanimous)
• Approved refund of $10,362.42 to Howard A. McIntyre (unanimous)
• Approved COLA study to increase COLA in $1,000 increments up to $18,000 (unanimous)
• Approved legal notice and RFP for legal services (unanimous)

City Council

The council heard FY26 budget presentations from the Police, Harbormaster, Fire Department, and Public Schools but took no action on the budgets. Councilors voted to extend the meeting by 15 minutes, then to a 10:55 PM end time, and finally to adjourn, each motion passing 9‑0.

• Extended meeting by 15 minutes (9-0)
• Extended meeting to 10:55 PM (9-0)
• Adjourned meeting (9-0)

City Council

The council approved several appointments, grant orders, a property transfer, and multiple pole replacement orders. Notable approvals included the firefighter safety equipment grant, the SAFE grant, and the transfer of the Amesbury Elementary School property to the city, all passing unanimously. The council also referred two Community Preservation Fund allocation orders to the Budget and Finance Subcommittee with a 7‑1 vote. The meeting was adjourned at 8:29 PM with a 7‑1 vote.

• Approved appointment of Aaron Martin to Board of Health (8-0)
• Approved 2025-044 grant for firefighter safety equipment (8-0)
• Approved 2025-051 SAFE and Senior SAFE grants (8-0)
• Approved 2025-052 transfer of Amesbury Elementary School property (8-0)
• Approved 2025-055 pole replacement order for 10 Aubin St (8-0)
• Approved referral of 2025-060 lease purchase order to Budget subcommittee (8-0)
• Referred 2025-063 Community Preservation Fund allocations to Budget subcommittee (7-1)
• Adjourned meeting (7-1)

Community Preservation Committee

The committee voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council establish five Community Preservation Account reserve accounts—Housing, Open Space/Recreation, Historic, Administrative, and Budgeted—and to transfer 10% of estimated funds to the first three accounts, 5% to the Administrative account, and the remainder to the Budgeted account for FY 2026. A second unanimous motion set a reservation amount of $5,648 for each reserve category. Howard Snyder will present the recommendation to the City Council on June 17. The next CPC meeting is scheduled for June 18.

• Approved recommendation to create five CPA reserve accounts and allocate percentages of FY 2026 funds (unanimous)
• Approved reservation of $5,648 for each reserve category (unanimous)

Health Care Trust Commission

The commission unanimously approved the April meeting minutes. It approved a $678.39 payment to Center Point Dental LLC for case 2025-02-03. A second case with eligibility questions was not decided; Anne Ferguson will follow up. The meeting was adjourned after a motion was made.

• Approved April minutes (unanimous)
• Approved $678.39 payment to Center Point Dental LLC (case 2025-02-03)
• No decision on eligibility case; follow‑up assigned to Anne Ferguson
• Motion to adjourn made (outcome not recorded)

City Council

Councilors heard FY26 budget proposals from the Community & Economic Development, Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Inspectional Services, Health Services, and the Department of Public Works and its divisions. No budget approvals or rejections were recorded. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous motion.

• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously (8-0)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors unanimously approved the minutes from the April 15, 2025 meeting. It also approved the second Motor Vehicle Excise Warrant Book for 2025 and accepted the motor vehicle and boat excise abatement reports. An executive session was held to discuss non‑public records before the meeting was reconvened and adjourned.

• Approved April 15, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved second Motor Vehicle Excise Warrant Book for 2025 (unanimous)
• Accepted Motor Vehicle Excise Abatement Reports for Apr 16‑30, May 1‑12, May 13‑20, 2025 (unanimous)
• Accepted Boat Excise Abatement Report for Apr 2025 (unanimous)
• Entered Executive Session to discuss non‑public records (unanimous)
• Closed Executive Session and reconvened Open Session (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Budget and Finance Subcommittee

The subcommittee approved the April 15, 2025 minutes and moved agenda items 2025-48 through 2025-52 to the start of the agenda. It recommended that the City Council approve orders 2025-048, 2025-049, 2025-050, 2025-051, 2025-052, and 2025-044. It sent order 2025-047 to the Council with no recommendation. The meeting adjourned at 6:58 PM.

• Approved April 15, 2025 minutes (2-0, one abstention)
• Moved items 2025-48‑52 to start of agenda (3-0)
• Returned orders 2025-048, 2025-049, 2025-050, 2025-051, 2025-052, and 2025-044 to City Council with positive recommendation (all 3-0)
• Returned order 2025-047 to City Council with no recommendation (2-1)

City Council

The council heard FY26 budget presentations from several departments but took no votes on the proposals. Councilor Mandeville moved to adjourn, Councilor Rinaldi seconded, and the motion passed unanimously (8‑0). No substantive budget decisions were made.

• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously (8-0)

Board of Health

The Board unanimously approved the minutes from the January 7, 2025 meeting. It also approved the 2025 meeting calendar, moving future meetings to Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. (virtual) and setting the regular date for the third Thursday of each month. The Board unanimously adopted a budget for summer public‑health education events at Lake Gardner and Kids Day in the park.

• Approved Jan 7, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 meeting calendar (unanimous)
• Approved budget for summer public‑health education events (unanimous)

City Council

The council voted to nominate Councilor Stanganelli as chair of the Ad Hoc Budget Committee; the motion passed 6-0-1 with Stanganelli abstaining. The council then voted to adjourn the meeting, and the motion passed unanimously 8-0. No budget approvals were decided; departments presented FY26 budget proposals for discussion.

• Nominated Councilor Stanganelli as chair of Ad Hoc Budget Committee – passed 6-0-1 (Stanganelli abstained)
• Motion to adjourn meeting – passed unanimously 8-0

Library Board of Trustees

The trustees approved the Secretary's minutes with edits and the April 30 Fundraising Zoom minutes, both unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous vote. No substantive policy or budget decisions were made.

• Accepted Secretary's minutes with edits (unanimous)
• Accepted April 30 Fundraising Zoom minutes with edit (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The council approved Administrative Order 2025-01, establishing a grant‑funded Department of Public Wellness. It also created an Ad‑Hoc Budget Committee of the Whole and referred the FY26 operating budget to that committee. Several orders and ordinances were referred to appropriate boards for further action.

• Approved Administrative Order 2025-01 creating Department of Public Wellness (7-1)
• Approved creation of the Ad‑Hoc Budget Committee of the Whole (8-0)
• Referred 2025-001 FY26 operating budget to the Ad‑Hoc Budget Committee, set second reading and public hearing for June 10 (7-1)
• Referred 2025-045 No Parking on Lafayette Street median to Planning & Development and O&A (8-0)
• Referred 2025-046 Go Slow Children signage on Riverfront Drive to Planning & Development (8-0)
• Referred 2025-047 Appropriation of free cash for FY26 capital expenditures to Budget & Finance (7-0)
• Referred 2025-048 Spending limits for departmental revolving funds FY26 to Budget & Finance (7-0)
• Referred 2025-049 Lease for police equipment to Budget & Finance (7-0)

Planning Board

The Amesbury Planning Board voted to approve the revised Sunoco sign package at 108 Macy St. and the Phoenix Café sign package at 19 Main St. Both motions passed unanimously with a 6‑0 vote. No other actions were decided at this meeting.

• Approved Sunoco sign package at 108 Macy St. (6-0)
• Approved Phoenix Café sign package at 19 Main St. (6-0)

Technical Review Committee

The Technical Review Committee voted to send a favorable recommendation for the 38‑40 Prospect Street historic preservation project, provided the applicant addresses a list of specified comments. The motion was seconded by Jim Wilson and passed unanimously. The required actions include meeting with DPW on drainage, updating fire code compliance, presenting to the Design Review Committee, clarifying lot lines, snow and solid waste management, and obtaining public safety address approval.

• Sent favorable recommendation with conditions (unanimous)

Energy Committee

The committee unanimously approved the April meeting minutes. It decided that EV chargers will not be installed at the new City Hall (Prov Bank). Other items such as fleet electrification, solar net‑metering credits, and LEED work were discussed but no actions were taken.

• Approved April minutes (unanimous)
• Decided not to install EV chargers at new City Hall

Cultural Council

The Cultural Council unanimously approved the April meeting minutes with a wording amendment. It also approved a $200 deposit for the Open Studios trolley and an $850 allocation to cover Juneteenth celebration costs. A proposal for up to $1,800 to address a potential shortfall was rejected. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved April minutes with amendment (unanimous)
• Approved $200 trolley deposit for Open Studios (unanimous)
• Approved $850 Juneteenth expense funding (unanimous)
• Rejected $1,800 potential shortfall funding (none)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission unanimously approved a waiver for work in a no‑disturb zone at 81 Pleasant Valley Road and approved that project pending revised Form 3, a Chapter 91 permit, and DEP comments. It also approved the 5 Pleasant Valley Road float system with a requirement that all permits be provided before work begins, and closed the public hearing for that project. Additional approvals included projects at 14 Lake Attitash Road and 7 Beacon Street, continuation of a compliance certificate for 13 Merrill Road, and adoption of the April 7, 2025 meeting minutes.

• Approved waiver for work in no‑disturb zone at 81 Pleasant Valley Road (unanimous)
• Approved NOI 81 Pleasant Valley Road subject to revised Form 3, Chapter 91 permit, and DEP comments (unanimous)
• Approved NOI 5 Pleasant Valley Road with requirement to provide all permits before work (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing for NOI 5 Pleasant Valley Road (unanimous)
• Approved NOI 14 Lake Attitash Road (unanimous)
• Approved NOI 7 Beacon Street (unanimous)
• Continued RCOC 13 Merrill Road to June 2 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved April 7 2025 meeting minutes (5‑yes, 1‑abstain)

Liquor License Commission

The Liquor License Commission unanimously approved the minutes from the January 28, 2025 meeting. It also unanimously approved outdoor dining extensions for Brewery Silvaticus and Market Square Bakehouse, and conditionally approved the extension for Barking Dog pending a mayoral letter. The next commission meeting was scheduled for June 3, 2025.

• Approved Jan 28 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Brewery Silvaticus outdoor dining extension May 1–Nov 1 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved Market Square Bakehouse outdoor dining extension May 1–Nov 1 2025 (unanimous)
• Conditionally approved Barking Dog outdoor dining extension May 1–Nov 1 2025 pending mayoral approval (unanimous)
• Scheduled next meeting for June 3 2025 at 6 pm (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Board unanimously approved the ANR lot line adjustment for 473 Main St. (5‑0). It also voted to continue the 201 Elm St. application to the May 12 meeting (5‑0) and to request the applicant stake out the site by May 2, 2025 (5‑0). The minutes from the March 10 meeting were approved with a 4‑0‑1 vote.

• Approved ANR lot line adjustment for 473 Main St. (5-0)
• Continued 201 Elm St. hearing to May 12, 2025 (5-0)
• Requested applicant stake out site by May 2, 2025 (5-0)
• Approved minutes from 3-10-25 (4-0-1)

Retirement Board

The Amesbury Retirement Board unanimously approved a request to begin a legal‑services RFP and to obtain a cost estimate for a COLA base increase. It also approved new member enrollment, multiple retirement account transfers, and two member refunds. Payroll, cash disbursement, vendor payment warrants and several reconciliation reports were reviewed and approved. No decision was made on the PTG scanning or ESS portal services.

• Approved legal services RFP (unanimous)
• Approved request for COLA cost estimate (unanimous)
• Approved new member enrollment for Pamela Palombo (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of Arianna E. Merrill to MTRS (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of Karen C. Robbins from ERRS (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of Victoria Feger from ERRS (unanimous)
• Approved refund to Ashley Aprahamian, net $8,714.06 (unanimous)
• Approved refund to Jacquelyn Deorocki, net $4,487.34 (unanimous)

Trustees of War Memorials

The Trustees approved the minutes from the January 14, 2025 meeting by a 4‑0 vote. They discussed a $5,000 Veterans' Heritage Grant for the Rocky Hill Memorial and the need to match it with volunteer hours or trust funds. No restoration contracts or other projects were formally approved. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved January 14, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The Amesbury City Council appointed Marisa Batista as Chief Financial Officer and adopted the revised Renewable Energy Development Overlay District amendment. It unanimously approved several grant orders, including a $500,000 Community One Stop for Growth MassWorks grant, a $69,165 senior services grant, and a $401,654.70 Complete Streets grant. Routine items such as the April license list, prior‑year invoices, and a $45,889.50 salary reserve transfer were also approved, and a firefighter safety equipment grant was referred for a second reading.

• Approved Marisa Batista appointment as CFO (7-0)
• Adopted REDD amendment by substituting and accepting 2024-096 (7-0)
• Approved 2025-037 $500,000 grant for Clark’s Road project (7-0)
• Approved 2025-038 $69,165 grant for Council on Aging (7-0)
• Approved 2025-039 MOU with MVRTA for senior transport vehicle (6-0-1)
• Approved 2025-041 $45,889.50 transfer from Salary Reserve (7-0)
• Approved 2025-042 $401,654.70 Complete Streets grant (7-0)
• Referred 2025-044 firefighter safety equipment grant to Budget & Finance for second reading (7-0)

School Committee

The committee voted to approve the minutes from the February 27, 2025 meeting, with all members in favor. The board also discussed the Playful Learning Grant, upcoming student surveys, 5th‑grade celebration plans, MCAS results, health standards, lunch procedures, and the district website transition, but no further formal actions were taken.

• Approved February 27, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Technical Review Committee

The Technical Review Committee voted to recommend approval of the Barking Dog outdoor dining application, with the motion passing unanimously. The committee also approved its own minutes from April 2, 2025, and then adjourned the meeting at 10:05 am. No formal decision was made on the Main Street water‑main comment request.

• Recommended approval of Barking Dog outdoor dining permit (unanimous)
• Approved TRC minutes from 4‑2‑25 (unanimous; Chief Bailey and Joe Buckley abstained)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:05 am (unanimous)

Health Care Trust Commission

The Amesbury Charitable Health Care Trust Commission unanimously accepted the March meeting minutes. It approved a $275 payment to Beth Israel, with Anne B tasked to obtain the recipient’s address and account number. It also approved a $125.79 payment to Shield's Imaging. No other substantive actions were recorded.

• Approved March minutes (unanimous)
• Approved $275 payment to Beth Israel (pending address confirmation)
• Approved $125.79 payment to Shield's Imaging

Board of Assessors

The Board opened the meeting, approved the March 25 minutes, and accepted the Motor Vehicle Excise Abatement Reports, each by unanimous motion. It entered executive session to discuss non‑public records, then closed the session and adjourned, all unanimously. No policy or substantive decisions were made.

• Opened meeting (unanimous)
• Approved March 25 minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted motor vehicle excise abatement reports (unanimous)
• Entered executive session (unanimous)
• Closed executive session (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Budget and Finance Subcommittee

The Budget & Finance Subcommittee approved the March 18, 2025 minutes (2‑0). It then voted to return Bills 2025‑037, 2025‑038, 2025‑039, 2025‑040, 2025‑041, and 2025‑042 to the City Council with positive recommendations, each passing 2‑0. The meeting was adjourned at 7:11 PM by a unanimous 2‑0 vote.

• Approved March 18, 2025 minutes (2-0)
• Returned 2025-037 (grant for Clark’s Road) with positive recommendation (2-0)
• Returned 2025-038 (Council on Aging grant) with positive recommendation (2-0)
• Returned 2025-039 (MVRTA vehicle MOU) with positive recommendation (2-0)
• Returned 2025-040 (payment of prior year invoices) with positive recommendation (2-0)
• Returned 2025-041 (transfer of $45,889.50 from Salary Reserve) with positive recommendation (2-0)
• Returned 2025-042 (Complete Streets grant) with positive recommendation (2-0)
• Adjourned meeting (2-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board unanimously accepted the withdrawal of the Meadowbrook site‑plan and special‑permit applications without prejudice and closed the Meadowbrook hearing. It approved the minutes from the February 24 meeting and tabled the March 10 minutes. The Board also voted to forward Bill 2025‑037 and Bill 2025‑042 to the City Council with positive recommendations.

• Took Meadowbrook application out of order (7-0)
• Accepted withdrawal of Meadowbrook site‑plan and special‑permit applications without prejudice (7-0)
• Closed public hearing for Meadowbrook (7-0)
• Approved minutes from 2‑24‑25 (7-0)
• Tabled minutes from 3‑10‑25
• Sent Bill 2025‑037 to City Council with positive recommendation and Merrimack River District Planning Report stipulation (7-0)
• Sent Bill 2025‑042 to City Council with positive recommendation (7-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:00 pm (7-0)

Ordinance and Administration Committee

The Ordinance & Administration Subcommittee approved the March 17 minutes (2-0). Councilors voted to return the transit authority MOU (2025-039) to City Council with a positive recommendation and three specific revisions (2-0). The meeting was adjourned at 7:13 PM (2-0).

• Approved March 17 minutes (2-0)
• Sent 2025-039 MOU back to City Council with recommended edits (2-0)
• Adjourned meeting (2-0)

Community Preservation Committee

The Amesbury Community Preservation Committee heard a presentation on the program’s duties, funding sources, and budgeting process for FY 2026. Members discussed revenue estimates, allocation percentages, and procedural steps for applications and project approvals. No votes or formal approvals were recorded.

Council on Aging Board

The Council on Aging Board approved the minutes from the February 13 and March 13, 2025 meetings. The motion was made by Kliggie, seconded by Maggie, and passed unanimously. No other motions or votes were recorded at this meeting.

• Accepted February 13 and March 13 minutes (unanimous)

Library Board of Trustees

The trustees unanimously approved the updated Borrower's Rights and Responsibilities Policy. They also unanimously voted to recall the policy on lending to residents of municipalities with decertified libraries. The meeting minutes were accepted with an edit, and the meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved Borrower's Rights and Responsibilities Policy (unanimous)
• Recalled Lending to Residents of Municipalities with Decertified Libraries policy (unanimous)
• Accepted meeting minutes with edit (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The council approved an order (2025-037) authorizing the mayor to accept and spend a $500,000 FY25 Community One Stop for Growth MassWorks Infrastructure Program grant for the Clark’s Road project, after amending the motion to add the Planning Board and P&D; the motion passed unanimously (5‑0). The council also approved a $401,654.70 FY25 Complete Streets Funding grant (2025-042) and a $69,165 FY25 formula grant for the Council on Aging (2025-038), each referred to the Budget & Finance Committee and scheduled for a second reading, with votes of 5‑0. Additional actions included approving prior‑year invoice payments, a $45,889.50 salary‑reserve transfer, and accepting the late file 2025-042, all passing unanimously.

• Approved $500,000 MassWorks grant for Clark’s Road (2025-037) – unanimous (5-0)
• Approved $401,654.70 Complete Streets grant (2025-042) – unanimous (5-0)
• Approved $69,165 Council on Aging grant (2025-038) – unanimous (5-0)
• Approved MOU for senior accessible vehicle (2025-039) – 4-1
• Approved payment of prior‑year invoices (2025-040) – unanimous (5-0)
• Approved transfer of $45,889.50 from Salary Reserve (2025-041) – unanimous (5-0)
• Accepted late file 2025-042 by suspending rule 5B – unanimous (5-0)
• Approved minutes from March 25, 2025 – unanimous (5-0)

Energy Committee

The March meeting minutes were approved unanimously, with Nancy Maynes abstaining. The committee decided that new EV chargers are not necessary at this time and will pursue installations at other sites such as schools, the new city hall, and the Municipal Development Center. Repairs to the City Hall EV charger brackets will be done by OWL under warranty, though a repair date has not been set.

• Approved March minutes unanimously; Nancy Maynes abstained
• Decided new EV chargers not needed now; will pursue installations at schools, new city hall, and MDC

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission voted to continue multiple pending applications to May 5, 2025, including projects at 13 Merrill Road, 12‑14 South Hunt Road, 81 Pleasant Valley Road, 4 Pleasant Valley Road, and 14 Lake Attitash Road. It also approved a Certificate of Compliance for 1 Moncrief Street, issued a Negative Determination for 12 Pinewood Road with conditions, and approved the RDA at 473 Main Street with added erosion controls. Additional actions included reissuing a Certificate of Compliance for 12 and 60 Merrill Street, supporting the Town Forest Trail Maintenance Plan, and accepting minor modifications to the 8 Birch Lane project.

• Continue RCOC 002-1330 (13 Merrill Road) to May 5, 2025 – approved (4‑0)
• Continue RCOC 002-1299 (12‑14 South Hunt Road) to May 5, 2025 – approved (3‑0‑1)
• Approve Certificate of Compliance for 1 Moncrief Street – approved (4‑0)
• Approve RDA 12 Pinewood Road as Negative Determination with access‑plan condition – approved (4‑0)
• Approve RDA 473 Main Street with added erosion controls – approved (4‑0)
• Reissue COC 002-1046 for 12 and 60 Merrill Street – approved (4‑0)
• Support Town Forest Trail Maintenance Plan – approved (4‑0)
• Approve minor modifications to NOI 002-1306 (8 Birch Lane) – approved (4‑0)

Technical Review Committee

The Technical Review Committee recommended and approved the outdoor dining application for Silvaticus at 9 Water St. and for Market Square Bakehouse at 5 Market Square. Both motions passed unanimously. The committee also approved the minutes from the March 5 and March 19, 2025 meetings unanimously.

• Approved Silvaticus outdoor dining permit (unanimous)
• Approved Market Square Bakehouse outdoor dining permit (unanimous)
• Approved March 5 and March 19, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:51 am (unanimous)

Retirement Board

The Amesbury Retirement Board unanimously approved a 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment for retirees beginning July 1, 2025. It also ratified a $500,000 transfer from the Pension Reserve Investment Trust Fund to cover March payroll and vendor payments, and accepted the annual financial condition statement for 2024. New member enrollment forms were approved, and several refund requests were granted.

• Approved 3% COLA increase for retirees (unanimous)
• Ratified $500,000 transfer from PRIT to cover March 2025 payroll and vendor payments (unanimous)
• Accepted 2024 annual financial condition report for PERC review (unanimous)
• Approved enrollment of new members from city departments and Housing Authority (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of Andrew T. Suggs’ retirement account and 5.4 years of service to ERRS (unanimous)
• Approved refund of $227.29 to Brittani Glinski (unanimous)
• Approved refund of $34,559.23 to Jessica A. Moisan (unanimous)
• Approved partial refund of $563.14 to Nancy L. Marrs (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved the minutes from the February 27, 2025 meeting by unanimous vote. No other actions were decided; the Housing Support Inc. application was discussed but no motion or vote was recorded.

• Approved minutes from 2-27-25 ZBA meeting (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors opened the meeting and unanimously approved the March 11 open‑session minutes. It then accepted the motor vehicle excise abatement reports for March 13‑25. The Board entered an executive session to review non‑public records, later closed that session, and adjourned the meeting. All motions passed unanimously.

• Opened meeting (unanimous)
• Approved March 11 minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted motor vehicle excise abatement reports (unanimous)
• Entered executive session to review non‑public records (unanimous)
• Closed executive session (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The council approved the March 11 meeting minutes and reappointed two members to the Amesbury Cultural Council. It also approved the March license list and voted to continue the 2024-096 Renewable Energy Development Overlay District amendment to the April 22 meeting. Four financial orders—transfers of $65,000 and $30,000 and grants of $15,000 and $9,020—were approved unanimously.

• Approved March 11, 2025 minutes (9-0)
• Reappointed Amy Vander Els to Cultural Council (9-0)
• Appointed Bonnie Brady to Cultural Council (9-0)
• Approved March license list (9-0)
• Continued 2024-096 REDD zoning amendment to April 22 (9-0)
• Authorized $65,000 transfer to Police Other Expenses (8-0)
• Authorized $15,000 police wellness grant (8-0)
• Authorized $30,000 transfer to Legal Consultant Services (8-0)

Planning Board

The Board voted to approve the site plan and special permit applications for 31 Newton Road with staff‑outlined conditions. The motion passed with a vote of 5‑0‑1. The Board also waived the tree‑survey requirement, approved the meeting minutes from 2‑10‑25, and closed the public hearing for the project.

• Approved site plan and special permit for 31 Newton Rd (5-0-1)
• Waived tree survey requirement (5-0-1)
• Approved amended minutes from 2-10-25 (5-0-1)
• Closed public hearing for 31 Newton Rd (5-0-1)
• Made David Frick chair for the March 24 meeting (6-0)
• Approved minutes from 2-10-25 as amended (5-0-1)

Technical Review Committee

The Technical Review Committee reviewed the 201 Elm St. historic preservation special permit and the 276‑280 Main St. 40B housing project. Members raised concerns about driveway locations, storm‑water grading, parking configurations, signage, and fencing. No approvals, denials, or formal votes were recorded.