Haverhill public meetings in 2020

City Council

The Haverhill City Council will consider a $586,555 loan order for the Plug Pond Public Enhancement Project, funded partly by a $391,257 state PARC grant, and will vote on allowing AFC Urgent Care to use the Highway Department yard for COVID-19 testing. The council will also hold hearings on two special permit petitions for residential developments and discuss becoming a Purple Heart Community.

• Loan order for $586,555 for Plug Pond Public Enhancement Project, with $391,257 PARC grant reimbursement
• Request to allow AFC Urgent Care to use Highway Department yard for COVID-19 testing starting Dec 19
• Special permit petition for 5 residential units at 149 Washington St (Washington 149 LLC)
• Special permit petition for 11 single-family homes at 0 Brandy Brow Road (D & D Realty Trust)
• Petition to waive right of first refusal for 136 Liberty Street (agricultural land)

City Council

The Haverhill City Council will hear a COVID-19 crisis update from the mayor and a presentation from parking consultant John Burke on proposed changes to the paid parking ordinance, including extended hours and increased permit fees. The council will also discuss mental health response with Police Chief DeNaro, consider a joint pole location petition on Crystal St, and handle routine items like license renewals and bill payments.

• Presentation on proposed paid parking ordinance changes: extend paid hours to Saturdays 10am-8pm, increase hourly rate to $1.00, monthly permit to $25
• Discussion on mental health response with Police Chief DeNaro
• Joint pole location petition by National Grid and Verizon on Crystal St for new home at 478 Crystal St
• Order to pay prior-year bills: AECOM $600, Wise/Mallory $615, employee reimbursement $166.37
• Public participation request re: traffic safety at Hilldale/Monument Sts

License Commission

The Haverhill License Commission will consider renewals for entertainment, common victualler, alcohol, and motor vehicle licenses for 2021, contingent on compliance. It will also review a transfer of a car dealer license for 210 River Street, including a new parking plan, and a change of manager for Haverhill Country Club. The agenda is mostly routine renewals and administrative items.

• Renewal of all entertainment, common victualler, alcohol, and motor vehicle licenses for 2021 upon compliance
• Transfer of car dealer license from MCA LLC dba 210 River St Auto Sales to Car Nova LLC at 210 River Street, with new parking plan (14 spaces total)
• Change of manager for Haverhill Country Club, 58 Bricklane, to Lamott Smith

The Haverhill License Commission unanimously approved the renewal of all entertainment, common victualler, and alcohol licenses for 2021, contingent upon compliance. The board also approved two manager changes: Lamott Smith at Haverhill Country Club and Holly Mandigo Aly at Circle K. All votes were unanimous with no public comment.

• Approved minutes of November 12, 2020 (unanimous)
• Approved all entertainment license renewals for 2021 upon compliance (unanimous)
• Approved all common victualler license renewals for 2021 upon compliance (unanimous)
• Approved change of manager to Lamott Smith at Haverhill Country Club, 58 Bricklane (unanimous)
• Approved change of manager to Holly Mandigo Aly at Circle K, 32 Knipe Road (unanimous)
• Approved all alcohol license renewals for 2021 upon compliance (unanimous)
• Adjourned at 6:23 PM (unanimous)

City Council

The Haverhill City Council will consider salary ordinances and memoranda of agreement for multiple Teamsters Local #170 groups, plus non-union and administrative positions, following negotiations. The council will also hold hearings to accept five streets as public ways, review a communication about the Hannah Dustin Statue, and discuss a Home Rule Petition for a firefighter age waiver, COVID vaccine distribution planning, and other items.

• Salary ordinances and MOAs for Water Dept, Library, City Hall Clerks, W/WW Office & Technical, Engineering, Citizen Center, and Animal Control/Mechanic/Custodian groups (1.75% increases for FY20 and FY21)
• Hearings to accept Amy Lynne Lane, Ryan Patrick Way, Cortland Road, Pear Tree Road, and Russett Hill Road as public ways
• Order to authorize payment of prior-year bills totaling $5,092.91 to Brox Industries, Leocadio Lora-Transportation, and Benevento Concrete Corp
• Home Rule Petition to allow Trevor J Seaboyer to take Civil Service Exam for firefighter despite maximum age requirement
• Discussion on planning for COVID vaccine distribution to residents

City Council

The Haverhill City Council will hold the FY2021 tax classification hearing, deciding how to shift the property tax burden between residential and commercial/industrial classes, and whether to adopt exemptions for residential, commercial, and elderly taxpayers. They will also vote on using $600,000 from Free Cash to reduce the tax rate, amend a small business personal property tax exemption, and set alcohol license fees for 2021. Several petitions for special permits and site plan reviews are scheduled for future hearings.

• Tax classification hearing: residential factor, commercial exemption, residential exemption, open space discount, CPI increases for elderly exemptions
• Orders to appropriate $100,000 and $500,000 from Free Cash to reduce FY2021 tax rate
• Amend small business personal property tax exemption from $5,000 to $7,000 for FY2022
• Petition for 3-family home at 33 Eighth Avenue (Snow Cassell, LLC) — hearing Jan 12, 2021
• Petition for 48 condos at 3 Railroad St (Ernest Coito) — hearing Jan 26, 2021

License Commission

The Haverhill License Commission is meeting to approve minutes, consider license applications, and discuss other business. Notable items include a manager change for RT 110 Grill and a request to alter premises at Shoe City Bistro to add a lounge and patio access.

• Approval of minutes from Aug 6, Sept 3, and Oct 16, 2020 meetings
• Change of manager for RT 110 Grill (1165 Main St) to Thomas Lawrence
• Alteration of premises for Shoe City Bistro to convert spare room into lounge with patio access

The Haverhill License Commission unanimously approved a change of manager for RT 110 Grill and an alteration of premises for The Peddler's Daughter/Shoe City Bistro. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was brief and procedural.

• Approved change of manager for RT 110 Grill to Thomas Lawrence (unanimous)
• Approved alteration of premises for The Peddler's Daughter/Shoe City Bistro to convert spare room into lounge with patio access (unanimous)

License Commission

The Haverhill Retirement Board approved the October 2020 warrant ($2,349,576.43) and authorized transferring up to $1,800,000 from PRIT for the November warrant. It voted to send a 91A termination notice to Bradley P. Andrews, and made three wage offers to Teamsters Local 170 (1-year 2%, 2-year 1.5%, 2-year 2%), all rejected by the union representative. The board also approved administrator contract changes (extra vacation, salary increases, termination language) and accepted various member enrollments, refunds, rollovers, transfers, and retirements.

• Approved October 2020 warrant $2,349,576.43 and transfer up to $1,800,000 for November (5-0)
• Approved sending 91A termination notice to Bradley P. Andrews (5-0)
• Offered 1-year 2% wage increase to Teamsters Local 170; rejected (5-0)
• Offered 2-year 1.5% wage increase; rejected (5-0)
• Offered 2-year 2% wage increase; rejected (5-0)
• Approved administrator contract changes: 5 extra vacation days, 1.5% salary increases, termination language (5-0)
• Accepted new member enrollments, refunds, rollovers, transfers, and retirements (4-0, Klueber absent)
• Approved 2021 meeting schedule and December 8, 2020 meeting via Zoom (5-0)

City Council

The Haverhill City Council will consider a two-year contract with Haverhill Firefighters Local 1011 including 1.75% annual raises and a $48/hour detail rate, a complete rewrite of the city's zoning ordinance, and two transfers totaling $59,120 from salary reserves to fund police superior officer contract costs. The council will also hear the mayor's COVID-19 update, hold a public hearing on a zoning amendment, and act on various licenses and appointments.

• Firefighters Local 1011 MOA: 1.75% raises for FY20 and FY21, detail rate to $48/hour, total cost $365,651 over two years
• Zoning ordinance rewrite: Chapter 255 deleted and replaced, including tables of use, parking, dimensional and density regulations
• Transfer $16,100 from Salary Reserve for police superior officer retroactive pay (Police Salaries $10,700, Overtime $5,400)
• Transfer $43,020 from Salary Reserve for FY21 police superior officer contract (Salaries $35,920, Overtime $7,100)
• Payment order totaling $87,470.87 to vendors including Ampion Energy ($61,058.41) and Brox Industries ($6,018.69)

License Commission

The Haverhill License Commission held a special remote meeting on October 16, 2020, and approved entertainment and common victualler applications for Mother Clucker's at 251 Primrose St. The approvals were pending health and building department sign-offs. The motion was made by Commissioner Sewell, seconded by Commissioner Carter, and passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 1:07 PM.

• Approved entertainment application for Mother Clucker's, 251 Primrose St (unanimous yes)
• Approved common victualler application for Mother Clucker's, 251 Primrose St (unanimous yes)

City Council

The Haverhill City Council denied a special permit for Frosty Nug Haverhill LLC to operate an adult-use marijuana establishment at 1181 Boston Road, with an 8-0 vote (1 abstention). The denial came after extensive discussion of traffic and safety concerns on Route 125, despite proposed conditions including no left turns and police monitoring. The Council also approved a COVID-19 testing agreement with Pentucket Medical Associates and passed several budget transfers and bond orders for water supply protection.

• Denied special permit for adult-use marijuana establishment at 1181 Boston Road (0-8, 1 abstention)
• Approved MOU with Pentucket Medical Associates for COVID-19 testing (9-0)
• Approved $1,200 transfer to Human Resources Expense from Unrestricted Local Aid (9-0)
• Approved $15,000 transfer to Other Education Funding Expenses from Unrestricted Local Aid (9-0)
• Passed $272,000 loan order for water supply protection land purchase (8-0, 1 absent)
• Passed bond order for $250,000 for water/wastewater asset management plan (8-0, 1 absent)
• Confirmed appointments to Cultural Council and Council on Youth Needs (9-0)
• Failed motion to require public notice within 2 hours of sewerage discharge (no second)

City Council

The Haverhill City Council tabled the FY21-FY25 Capital Plan and related order until October 6, 2020, after hearing a presentation on $77 million in proposed improvements. The council also placed on file a $272,000 loan order to purchase land off Amesbury Road for water supply protection, and a related order declaring the parcel essential for public drinking water supply. A $250,000 bond order for an asset management plan for water, wastewater, and stormwater systems was placed on file. The council approved a modification to a special permit for Haverhill Stem LLC, allowing extended hours on Sundays until 9 PM, and referred several petitions and communications to committees.

• Tabled FY21-FY25 Capital Plan and related order to Oct 6, 2020 (8-0)
• Placed on file $272,000 loan order for water supply land purchase (8-0)
• Placed on file order declaring parcel 464-3-1 essential for water supply (8-0)
• Placed on file $250,000 bond order for asset management plan (8-0)
• Approved modification to special permit for Haverhill Stem LLC (7-1)
• Referred petition to purchase city property at 14 Silver Birch Lane to committee (8-0)
• Granted handicap parking sign renewals (8-0)
• Granted drainlayer license renewal to Tim White (8-0)

City Council

The Haverhill City Council approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to submit the FY2021 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, with funding of $1,038,000. It also adopted a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) agreement for Broco Oil's expansion at 81 Hale St, which is expected to create 15 jobs. The council passed multiple orders transferring funds from additional Unrestricted Local Aid to various accounts, including $1M to stabilization (after a withdrawal of a prior order), $450,000 to capital projects and salary reserve, $400,000 for sidewalk and street repairs, and $504,000 for a new sewer system cleaning truck. Several items were referred to committees, including a request for UV-C disinfection fixtures and a 'No Parking' sign at 42 Hancock St.

• Approved resolution authorizing mayor to submit FY2021 CDBG program (8-0, 1 abstention)
• Adopted TIF for Broco Oil at 81 Hale St (8-0, 1 abstention)
• Withdrawn order to transfer $1M to stabilization (9-0)
• Passed order transferring $10,000 for constituent services and mayor's salaries (9-0)
• Passed order transferring $130,000 for highway and street marketing expenses (9-0)
• Passed order transferring $450,000 for capital projects and salary reserve (9-0)
• Passed order transferring $400,000 for sidewalk and street repairs (9-0)
• Passed bond order for $504,000 for a sewer system cleaning truck (9-0)

License Commission

The Haverhill License Commission approved Kelly's Restaurant's request to add outdoor dining at 75 South Main St, with conditions: 4 tables spaced 8 feet apart and a 9PM closing time. The vote was unanimous (3-0). The manager objected to the limits, but the commission held firm, suggesting he could return in a few weeks for possible expansion.

• Approved outdoor dining for Kelly's Restaurant with 4 tables, 8 feet apart, until 9PM (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The Haverhill City Council approved a special permit for Richard Carter to convert a barn at 417 Washington Street into four single-bedroom rental apartments, with conditions including letters from department heads. The council also confirmed Magdiel A. Matias to the Board of Appeals, granted a drive-thru holiday light show permit to Bold Media, and passed several orders, including accepting new veterans' property tax exemptions. Multiple items were postponed to August 25 at the mayor's request, including orders to transfer funds from additional Unrestricted Local Aid to stabilization and various accounts.

• Approved special permit for 4 apartments at 417 Washington St. (9-0)
• Confirmed Magdiel A. Matias to Board of Appeals (9-0)
• Granted Bold Media permit for drive-thru holiday light show at 75 Willow Ave. (9-0)
• Passed order accepting veterans' exemption for fiduciary-owned property (9-0)
• Passed order accepting veterans' exemption for surviving parents/guardians (9-0)
• Passed order for state primaries on Sept. 1, 2020 (9-0)
• Passed order authorizing payment of prior year bills (9-0)
• Postponed to Aug. 25: mayor's orders to transfer $1M to stabilization and other funds (9-0)

City Council

The Haverhill City Council voted 9-0 to adopt the full FY2021 budget of $196,162,837, replacing the proposed 1/12 budget for August. The budget is funded by taxation, water and wastewater receipts, free cash, and transfers from capital projects. The Council also approved a $2 million transfer from the Stabilization Fund for group insurance expenses. A special permit for U-Haul storage containers at 211-219 Lincoln Ave was denied 0-9.

• Adopted FY2021 budget of $196,162,837 (9-0)
• Approved $2,000,000 transfer from Stabilization Fund for group insurance (9-0)
• Denied U-Haul special permit for storage containers at 211-219 Lincoln Ave (0-9)
• Accepted Ahern Circle, Masys Way, and Piper Glen Lane as public ways (9-0 each)
• Granted Haverhill Stem LLC increase in hourly appointments from 20 to 25 (7-1, 1 abstention)
• Authorized refunding bonds to reduce interest costs (9-0)
• Approved payment of prior year bills totaling $29,622.12 (9-0)
• Referred illegal fireworks discussion to Public Safety Committee (9-0)

License Commission

The Haverhill License Commission held a remote special meeting on July 22, 2020, and approved the transfer of the common victualler license from Lucky Corner Enterprise Inc to Winfeng Inc, doing business as Lucky Corner, with Lifeng Chen as manager. All required departmental approvals had been received. The motion was made by Commissioner Carter, seconded by Commissioner Sewell, and passed unanimously with no public comment.

• Approved transfer of common victualler license to Winfeng Inc DBA Lucky Corner (unanimous)

License Commission

The Haverhill License Commission approved minutes from prior meetings and granted three outdoor dining applications. The commission suspended the license of Royal Crest Motors, LLC, for two weeks or until a junk trailer is removed and the property complies with its approved parking plan. The commission also approved documents and a change of premises for Wicked Axe.

• Approved minutes of June 4, June 8, and June 23, 2020 (2-0, 1 absent)
• Approved outdoor dining expansion for Barking Dog Ale House (2-0, 1 absent)
• Approved outdoor dining addition for Olympia Social Club (2-0, 1 absent)
• Approved outdoor dining addition for Barrios, pending restaurant opening and approvals (2-0, 1 absent)
• Suspended Royal Crest Motors license for 2 weeks or until trailer removed and parking plan followed (2-0, 1 absent)
• Approved Wicked Axe change of premises and accepted ABCC documents (2-0, 1 absent)

License Commission

The Haverhill License Commission held a remote meeting on June 23, 2020, and approved two outdoor dining applications. The first, for the American Legion Post 4, was provisionally approved pending a final decision on food licenses. The second, for Wang's Table, was approved pending inspectional services approval. Both votes were unanimous.

• Approved outdoor dining with tent for American Legion Post 4, provisionally, pending food license decision (unanimous)
• Approved temporary outdoor seating expansion for Wang's Table, pending inspectional services approval (unanimous)

License Commission

The Haverhill License Commission held a remote meeting on June 15, 2020, with two commissioners present and one absent. The commission unanimously approved all seven outdoor dining applications, including new outdoor dining and expansions of existing footprints. No comments or discussion were recorded before the vote.

• Approved outdoor dining expansion for Oriental Garden, 400 Lowell Ave (unanimous)
• Approved outdoor dining addition for A-1 Deli, 88 Merrimack St (unanimous)
• Approved outdoor dining addition for Applebee's, 56 Plaistow Rd (unanimous)
• Approved outdoor dining expansion for Casa Blanca, 2 Essex St (unanimous)
• Approved outdoor dining expansion for Michael's Phoenician, 12 Alpha St (unanimous)
• Approved outdoor dining addition for Willow Springs, 840 West Lowell Ave (unanimous)
• Approved outdoor dining expansion for Keon's, 105 Washington St (unanimous)

City Council

The Haverhill City Council held a virtual special meeting on June 9, 2020, and approved two utility-related orders. Both were for a residential development of 14 apartments at Park Street and Park Place. The first granted Mass Electric Co (d/b/a National Grid) permission to install underground electric conduits, and the second granted joint pole locations for Mass Electric and Verizon NE. Both passed unanimously (9-0) with no opposition.

• Granted Mass Electric Co permission for underground electric conduits at Park St and Park Pl (9-0)
• Granted Mass Electric Co and Verizon NE joint pole locations at Park St and Park Pl (9-0)

License Commission

The Haverhill Retirement Board approved the liquidation of $1.8 million from the Massachusetts Pension Reserves Investment Trust (PRIT) to cover the June 2020 month-end warrant. The board also approved extending the term of GTI 8 to July 3, 2021, and approved requesting $2 million from PRIT to cover benefit payments for the next 12 months starting July 1, 2020. Several routine items were approved, including warrants, new member enrollments, refunds, transfers, and retirements.

• Approved $1.8M liquidation from PRIT Cash Account for June 2020 month-end warrant (5-0)
• Approved extending GTI 8 term to July 3, 2021 (4-1)
• Approved requesting $2M from PRIT for benefit payments for next 12 months starting July 1, 2020 (5-0)
• Approved May 2020 Warrant #5-2020: $2,249,419.29
• Approved new member enrollments: Matthew W. White (HPS), Benjamin Torrence (Police) (5-0)
• Approved refunds: Alexander Cederstrom (HPS), Thomas Shinners (Police) (5-0)
• Approved transfer: Keith Crowley (Police, State) (5-0)
• Approved retirements: Therea Susen (6/17/2020), Joan E. Mahoney (6/19/2020) (5-0)

License Commission

The Haverhill License Commission unanimously approved minutes from prior meetings and took no further action on two continued items involving The Lasting Room and Michael's Function Hall. It approved all outdoor dining applications and two farmer's market winery permits. The commission suspended Royal Crest Motors' license until the owner submits plans and cleans the property, with a follow-up meeting scheduled for Monday.

• Approved minutes of March 5 and April 15 special virtual meeting (unanimous)
• Took no further action on The Lasting Room incident (unanimous)
• Dismissed Michael's Function Hall incident (unanimous)
• Approved all outdoor dining applications for Essex St Grill, G's, Joseph's Trattoria, Bradford Country Club, Jimmy K's, Krueger's, and 110 Grill (unanimous)
• Approved farmer's market winery permit for 1634 Meadery (unanimous)
• Approved farmer's market winery permit for Willow Springs Vineyard (unanimous)
• Took no further action on J & N Automotive Services show cause (unanimous)
• Suspended Royal Crest Motors license until plans submitted and property cleaned (unanimous)

City Council

The Haverhill City Council approved a temporary outdoor dining ordinance to help restaurants reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing expanded outdoor seating through November 1, 2020. The council also approved several orders related to the Bradford Rail Trail project, including acquiring easements and property interests. A special permit hearing for storage containers at 211-219 Lincoln Ave was continued to June 16, 2020.

• Approved temporary outdoor dining ordinance (8-0)
• Approved letter of support for Little River Dam removal feasibility study (8-0)
• Approved order to take temporary easements for Bradford Rail Trail construction (8-0)
• Approved order to acquire interests in land of Massachusetts Electric Company (8-0)
• Approved resolution authorizing Mayor to submit TIF agreement for Monogram Foods (7-0, 1 abstention)
• Continued special permit hearing for storage containers at 211-219 Lincoln Ave to June 16, 2020 (8-0)
• Approved Farmer's Market application with conditions (8-0)
• Approved ordinance establishing no parking on Avco Road (8-0)

City Council

The Haverhill City Council voted 9-0 to postpone all local ballot questions, including two proposed charter-related measures for the November 2020 election, until a date after unrestricted public assembly is permitted, with any such questions to appear on the November 2021 or later ballot. The Council also voted 9-0 to refer the Citizens Outreach Committee to meet in person to develop a plan to inform citizens of charter change options. An emergency ordinance creating temporary handicap parking spaces on How Street near Emmaus, Inc. was enacted 8-0 (with one absence) as amended.

• Approved minutes of prior meeting (9-0)
• Postponed all local ballot questions until after unrestricted public assembly is permitted, with voting only for November 2021 or later ballot (9-0)
• Referred Citizens Outreach Committee to meet in person to develop plan to inform citizens of charter change options (9-0)
• Amended Home Rule Petition to change 'Councillors' to 'School Committee members' (9-0)
• Enacted emergency ordinance for temporary handicap parking spaces on How Street near Emmaus, Inc. (8-0, 1 absent)
• Placed on file preliminary financial report for April 2020 (9-0)
• Referred acceptance of Ahern Circle, Masys Way, and Piper Glen Lane to Planning Board with hearings July 28, 2020 (9-0)
• Approved sending letter to Mayor regarding drone surveillance of parks (9-0)

City Council

The City Council voted 9-0 to authorize the mayor to sign the Massachusetts School Building Authority Feasibility Study Agreement for the A.B. Consentino School. The council also passed a $853,000 bond order for engineering services for North Avenue road and bridge reconstruction, and approved several other items including a proclamation and a handicap parking renewal. A request to temporarily relocate two handicapped parking spaces on How Street was referred for ordinance drafting after the city solicitor deemed the communication unenforceable as written.

• Approved MSBA Feasibility Study Agreement for A.B. Consentino School (9-0)
• Passed $853,000 bond order for North Avenue engineering services (9-0)
• Granted handicap parking renewal for William Belkus at 2 Irving Ave (9-0)
• Referred new handicap parking applications for Carol DeBlois and Joe Dul to Planning
• Referred removal of handicap space at 25 Vine St to Planning
• Scheduled hearings for National Grid pole/conduit petitions for June 9, 2020
• Adopted proclamation for National Skilled Nursing Care Week
• Adopted proclamation for Apraxia Awareness Day

License Commission

The Haverhill Retirement Board approved liquidating up to $2.0 million from PRIT investments to cover benefit payments, and approved borrowing up to $2.2 million for the March 2020 warrant. The board also approved the April 2020 month-end warrant funding of up to $2 million from the PRIT Cash Account, and accepted new member enrollments, transfers, retirements, and a death benefit request. All votes were 5-0.

• Approved liquidation of up to $2.0M from PRIT investments for benefit payments (5-0)
• Approved March 2020 Warrant #3-2020 of $2,422,370.01, with borrowing up to $2.2M (5-0)
• Approved acquiring up to $2M from PRIT Cash Account for April 2020 month-end warrant (5-0)
• Accepted new member enrollments for Haverhill Public Schools, Council on Aging, and Fire Department (5-0)
• Accepted transfers for Chanele Boucher and Shantil Yell (5-0)
• Accepted superannuations and a death benefit for Carlene DeMaris (5-0)
• Suspended election by moving Close of Nomination Papers to September 1, 2020 (5-0)
• Approved mailing retirement checks to those who pick them up for next 3 months (5-0)

City Council

The Haverhill City Council passed an emergency ordinance prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people on public property to enforce COVID-19 social distancing. The ordinance was approved 8-1, with Councillor McGonagle dissenting. The council also approved a $30,000 transfer for street light expenses, adopted a Donate Life Month proclamation, and postponed a special permit hearing for a 3-family to 4-family conversion.

• Approved emergency ordinance banning gatherings of 10+ people on public property (8-1)
• Approved $30,000 transfer from Capital Budget to Street Light Expenses (9-0)
• Adopted Donate Life Month proclamation (9-0)
• Postponed special permit hearing for 367-369 Hilldale Ave to April 14, 2020 (9-0)
• Referred veterans tax reduction proposal to Administration & Finance Committee (9-0)
• Approved minutes of prior meeting (9-0)

City Council

The Haverhill City Council approved a $130,025.03 transfer from several capital project accounts to a new COVID-19 Emergency account, after removing a $143,733.75 retaining wall item. The Council also passed a resolution authorizing a TIF agreement for the 21-27 Washington Street redevelopment project, and postponed several items, including a proposed charter change ballot question, to May 19, 2020. The meeting was conducted remotely due to the COVID-19 state of emergency.

• Approved $130,025.03 transfer to COVID-19 Emergency account (9-0)
• Passed resolution authorizing TIF agreement for 21-27 Washington Street project (8-0, 1 abstention)
• Postponed charter change ballot question to May 19, 2020 (9-0)
• Postponed Central Business District Parking Program discussion to May 19, 2020 (7-0, 2 abstentions)
• Approved sending letter to Board of Health to restrict smoking near outdoor dining (9-0)
• Approved sending letter to Governor and legislative delegation for regional homeless shelter plan (9-0)
• Approved minutes of prior meeting (9-0)

License Commission

The Haverhill Retirement Board approved liquidating up to $2.0 million from PRIT Investments to cover benefit payments, and voted to use up to $2 million from the PRIT Cash Fund for the February warrant. The board also approved a 2% wage increase offer for 2020 and 2021 in union contract negotiations, and accepted new member enrollments, buybacks, refunds, and transfers as listed. All votes were 5-0.

• Approved liquidation of up to $2.0M from PRIT Investments for benefit payments (5-0)
• Approved use of up to $2M from PRIT Cash Fund for February warrant (5-0)
• Approved 2% wage increase offer for 2020 and 2021 in union contract (5-0)
• Accepted new member enrollments (5-0)
• Accepted buyback for Cynthia O'Shaughnessy (5-0)
• Accepted refunds for Raymond J. Naroian and David P. Jackson (5-0)
• Accepted transfers for six employees (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:07AM (5-0)

License Commission

The Haverhill License Commission meeting on February 6, 2020, was called to order but immediately postponed all agenda items due to an unexpected lack of quorum, with only Commissioner Carter and Clerk Laura Angus present. No decisions were made, and all items were deferred to the next meeting or a special meeting if required. The meeting adjourned at 6:01 PM.

• Postponed all agenda items due to lack of quorum

License Commission

The Retirement Board interviewed Laura Angus for the Benefits Counselor position and voted 3-1 (with one absent) to offer her the job at a $70,000 salary. A separate motion to notify Angus of the position and start date passed 4-0 with one absent. The meeting adjourned at 8:55 AM; the next meeting is set for February 11, 2020.

• Offered Laura Angus the Benefits Counselor position at $70,000 (3-1, 1 absent)
• Directed Administrator to notify Angus of position and start date (4-0, 1 absent)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:55 AM (4-0, 1 absent)

City Council

The Haverhill City Council approved a special permit for Phil Rice to convert the upper floors of the building at 4 Batchelder's Court into 5 residential rental units, with conditions and a waiver from the affordability requirement. The council also confirmed Marissa Ostrovitz to the Cultural Council, approved a parking license agreement with Haverhill Stem LLC (7-1, 1 abstention), and granted numerous tag days and license renewals. Several items were placed on file, including a MassDOT public hearing notice and financial reports.

• Approved special permit for 5 residential units at 4 Batchelder's Court (9-0)
• Approved waiver from affordability requirement for the Batchelder's Court project (9-0)
• Confirmed Marissa Ostrovitz to the Cultural Council (9-0)
• Approved parking license agreement with Haverhill Stem LLC (7-1, 1 abstention)
• Granted 14 tag day requests for HHS and VFW (9-0)
• Granted hawker/peddler licenses to Wade Dempsey and Lisa Wright (8-0-1 and 9-0)
• Granted 8 Redbox coin-op license renewals (9-0)
• Granted drainlayer licenses to John Enos, Richard Peters, and John Sullivan (9-0)

City Council

The Haverhill City Council approved a revised order setting rates for private snow plowing and hauling, effective January 8, 2020, and voted to send a letter to the mayor requesting the increase be made retroactive to November 1, 2019. The council also scheduled a special permit hearing for Boston Hill Fence LLC, confirmed an appointment to the Cultural Council, and passed an ordinance establishing an Agriculture Commission.

• Approved revised snow plowing and hauling rates (9-0)
• Voted to send letter to mayor requesting rate increase retroactive to Nov. 1, 2019 (9-0)
• Scheduled Jan. 28, 2020 hearing for Boston Hill Fence LLC special permit (9-0)
• Confirmed Douglas Edison to Cultural Council (9-0)
• Passed ordinance establishing Agriculture Commission (9-0)
• Granted 2020 drainlayer licenses to 21 applicants (9-0)
• Cancelled Jan. 21, 2020 council meeting (8-1)
• Referred occupational cancer issue to Public Safety Committee (9-0)

City Council

The Haverhill City Council held its organizational meeting for 2020, swearing in the newly elected mayor, councillors, and school committee members. The council then elected Melinda E. Barrett as President (8-1) and Colin F. LePage as Vice President (9-0). No other substantive business was conducted.

• Elected Melinda E. Barrett as City Council President (8-1)
• Elected Colin F. LePage as City Council Vice President (9-0)