West Newbury, MA

Housing Authority

This agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and repeated placeholder text. No specific decisions, proposals, or discussions are listed for the meeting.

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will meet to discuss various preservation and commemorative efforts. The agenda includes reviews of historic sites, markers, and the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.

• 250th Anniversary American Revolution
• Historic Sites Survey
• Oral History Project
• Antique Houses & Plaques
• Historic Markers

Town Clerk

The Town Clerk's Office is conducting the advanced removal of early voted ballots for the September 1, 2026, State Primary Election. This process will take place at the Town Offices on August 27 and August 28, 2026.

• Advanced removal of ballots on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 8:30 AM
• Advanced removal of ballots on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 8:30 PM

Town Clerk

The Town of West Newbury will conduct the legally required advanced removal of early voted ballots at Town Offices on August 27 at 8:30 AM and August 28 at 8:30 PM. Observers may watch but must register in advance with the Town Clerk.

• Advanced removal of early ballots scheduled for August 27, 2026, 8:30 AM and August 28, 2026, 8:30 PM
• Observers must register by calling 978-363-1110 or emailing [email protected]

Planning Board

The West Newbury Planning Board will discuss the current status of the Eagle’s Nest Subdivision and proposed changes to zoning and general bylaws. Staffing updates include an interim planner, and routine reports from town committees will be presented.

• Discussion on status of Eagle’s Nest Subdivision
• Discussion on status of Zoning & General Bylaw Changes
• Staffing Updates – Interim Planner
• Public Hearing Notices / Notices of Decisions
• MVPC Updates, Affordable Housing Trust Updates, CPC Updates

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold public meetings on driveway construction at 0 Middle Street, tree removal at 360 Main Street, and fence installation at 27 Rivercrest. It will also review subdivision road compliance at 9 Marshall Drive and other compliance requests at 7 Garden Street and 154 Middle Street. Several discussions include wetland fill, sanctioned parking, and bylaw updates.

• Public meeting: Driveway construction at 0 Middle Street (NOI R22-2B)
• Public meeting: Tree removal at 360 Main Street (RDA R13-3)
• Public meeting: Fence installation at 27 Rivercrest (RDA R1-93)
• Certificate of compliance: Subdivision road at 9 Marshall Drive (DEP#78-123)
• Certificate of compliance: Roadway and houses at 9 Marshall Drive (DEP#78-205)

Whittier Regional Agreement Amendment Committee

The Regional Agreement Amendment Committee (RAAC) will discuss school enrollment capacity and a draft Regional Agreement. The committee intends to vote on capital cost allocation methods and whether to refer the RAAC report to the School Committee.

• Vote on proposed capital cost allocation methods
• Vote to refer RAAC report and draft Regional Agreement to School Committee
• Presentation of updated working draft Regional Agreement
• Discussion of school enrollment capacity, design, and policy considerations

Housing Authority

The West Newbury Housing Authority is meeting but has no required board actions or agenda items to discuss. The agenda consists only of reviewing and approving prior meeting minutes.

Board of Water Commissioners

The Board of Water Commissioners will review account balances and approve minutes from July 14. They will discuss and vote on Dawn Fairbanks' application for an abatement or adjustment. The board will also follow up on a written warranty acknowledgment for Church Street repairs and review a rate study and master plan from Tighe & Bond. A draft Enterprise Fund User Charges template is up for discussion and possible approval.

• Vote on Dawn Fairbanks' abatement/adjustment application
• Follow-up on DeFelice's written warranty acknowledgment for Church Street repair
• Review of Tighe & Bond Rate Study and Master Plan by Town Manager and Town Counsel
• Discussion/approval of draft Enterprise Fund User Charges template

Select Board

The Select Board will hear updates on the Summer Bandstand Concert Series, the Town Manager transition, and a new traffic safety study for the Town Center. They will also consider a request from Whittier Tech regarding capital cost allocation and discuss a potential intermunicipal agreement with Newburyport in executive session. No votes are scheduled on these items.

• Request to consider Whittier Tech RAAC capital cost allocation formula
• Discussion of Town Center traffic calming study by TEC, Inc.
• Executive session to discuss potential intermunicipal agreement with Newburyport
• Executive session for collective bargaining strategy with IBEW/Water Union

Housing Authority

The West Newbury Housing Authority Board of Commissioners will hold its monthly meeting to discuss and vote on proposed rent increases for Pipestave properties and elect a member to the Community Preservation Committee. The agenda also includes review of minutes, correspondence, and reports.

• Vote on Pipestave rent increases
• Vote for member of Community Preservation Committee from WNHA
• Review and approval of meeting minutes
• Correspondence review

Planning Board

The West Newbury Planning Board will consider closing out the Pickleball project and discuss updates to zoning bylaws regarding slopes. The board will also review minutes from March 17, 2026, and receive reports from MVPC, the Affordable Housing Trust, CPC, the Town Governance Committee, and the Land & Building Administrator.

• Pickleball project close-out
• Zoning bylaw updates regarding slopes
• Minutes from March 17, 2026 meeting
• Reports from MVPC, Affordable Housing Trust, CPC, Town Governance Committee, and Land & Building Administrator
• Public hearing notices and notices of decisions

Conservation Commission

The West Newbury Conservation Commission will hold public meetings on four Notices of Intent (NOIs) for projects affecting wetlands, including a driveway, a gangway at Mill Pond dock, a home rebuild, and a septic upgrade. The commission will also consider several Certificates of Compliance and discuss various property-related issues.

• Public Meeting: NOI for 0 Middle Street – driveway construction across BVW (continued to August 3, 2026)
• Public Meeting: NOI for 603 Main Street – gangway installation at Mill Pond dock
• Public Meeting: NOI for 1 Old Wharf Road – single-family home rebuild
• Public Meeting: NOI for 505 Main Street – septic system upgrade
• Certificate of Compliance requests for 9 Marshall Drive (subdivision road and roadway/driveways), 7 Garden Street, and 15 Bachelor Street (pickleball court)

Energy and Sustainability Committee

The Energy and Sustainability Committee will elect officers, discuss takeaways from a National Grid municipal summit, review FY 2026 accomplishments, and set goals for the current fiscal year. The committee will also consider an inquiry about Resilience Hubs and approve minutes from the May meeting.

• Election of committee officers
• Discussion of takeaways from National Grid municipal summit
• Review of FY 2026 accomplishments
• Setting goals for the current fiscal year
• Inquiry about Resilience Hubs

Town Governance Committee

The Town Governance Committee will discuss interim findings from an organizational assessment and receive an update on the Town Manager search. The committee will also consider approving meeting minutes from July 8, 2026, and schedule its next meeting.

• Discussion of Organizational Assessment Interim Findings
• Update on Town Manager search
• Meeting minutes July 8, 2026

Climate Change Resiliency Committee

The Climate Change Resiliency Committee will receive updates on the MassReady and MVP programs, as well as town updates on the Farm Field Culvert and governance review. Members will also hear a Living Shoreline project update from an initial site walk, discuss FY27 committee assignments and training, and consider approving minutes.

• Updates on MassReady and MVP program
• Town updates: Farm Field Culvert and governance review
• Living Shoreline project update from initial site walk
• FY27 committee assignments and training reminder
• Approval of minutes

Select Board

The Select Board will hold an executive session to discuss strategy for negotiations with nonunion personnel, specifically the interim town manager contract. In regular business, the board will vote on a proposed employment contract with the interim town manager and consider appointing a temporary treasurer/collector for a two-week term. Public comment is limited to items not on the agenda.

• Vote on proposed employment contract with Interim Town Manager
• Appoint Temporary Treasurer/Collector for July 17–31, 2026, under MGL Ch. 41, Sec. 40
• Executive session for strategy on nonunion personnel negotiations

Board of Water Commissioners

The Board of Water Commissioners will review account balances, approve draft minutes, and discuss follow-ups on road repairs, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), a rate study, and an abatement application. The meeting will also address the Enterprise Fund User Charge Template due to the Town Accountant.

• Follow up on DeFelice road repairs
• ADU discussion
• Tighe & Bond Rate Study and Master Plan review
• Dawn Marie Fairbanks abatement/adjustment review for 6 Pleasant Street
• Enterprise Fund User Charge Template (due mid-July)

The board approved the minutes from June 11, 15, and 17. No formal votes were taken on water abatement applications or contracts, and the board discussed upcoming water rate impacts from Newburyport.

• Approved minutes from June 11, 15, and 17 (unanimous)

Board of Health

The West Newbury Board of Health will review minutes from the June 9 meeting, discuss homeowner knowledge of water usage for ADUs, and consider a variance request for a septic system at the former St. Johns Hall site. The board will also review septic plans for three properties and has no stormwater permit applications to review.

• Variance request for septic system at St. Johns Hall (914 Main Street / Emery Lane) to convert to residential housing
• Septic plan reviews for 555 Main Street, 53 Crane Neck Street, and 64 South Street
• Discussion on homeowner knowledge of water usage for ADUs

Historical Commission

The West Newbury Historical Commission will hold its FY27 organizational meeting and discuss several items including a gift of Old Main Street photos to the town, inquiries from homeowners about antique houses and plaques, historic landscapes and town projects, a historic sites survey, and planning for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. The agenda also includes historic markers, an oral history project, firefighter and schools items, minute histories, and informal discussion.

• FY27 organizational meeting
• Gift of Old Main St photos to the town
• Antique houses and plaques inquiries from homeowners
• Historic sites survey
• 250th Anniversary American Revolution planning

Finance Committee

The West Newbury Finance Committee will meet to review proposed FY26 line-item transfers and discuss a withdrawal of a prior FY26 reserve fund transfer for a Public Safety Complex HVAC unit. The Town Manager will provide updates on the hiring of an Interim Town Manager, potential articles for the Fall Special Town Meeting, and the process for updating the Capital Improvements Program for FY28+.

• Review of proposed FY26 line-item transfers
• Withdrawal of prior FY26 Reserve Fund Transfer for Public Safety Complex HVAC unit
• Notice of hiring of Interim Town Manager
• Preliminary discussion of potential articles for Fall Special Town Meeting
• Discussion of process for updates to Capital Improvements Program for FY28+

Select Board

The Select Board will consider approving FY26 line-item transfers, special permits for a horse show and a half marathon, and appointments to the Finance Committee and as a clean energy permitting resource. The board will also receive updates on the town manager transition, traffic calming, and financial closeout. Executive session is scheduled to discuss an intermunicipal agreement with Newburyport, collective bargaining, and an interim town manager contract.

• Review of proposed FY26 Line-Item Transfers
• Special permit request for WNRDC Pipestave Hill Schooling Jumper Show on July 14, 28, and August 11
• Special permit request for Calibrate Events Production LLC 12th Annual Harborside Half Marathon & 5k on November 8
• Appointment of Mark Angelini to Finance Committee effective July 1, 2026
• Appointment of Sam Joslin as Local Government Representative Resource for permitting of Small Clean Energy Infrastructure Facilities

The Select Board unanimously approved FY26 line-item budget transfers, three special event permits (Pipestave Hill horse show and Harborside Half Marathon), and appointments of Mark Angelini to the Finance Committee and Sam Joslin as local clean energy representative. The board also discussed traffic calming, pickleball court completion, and the Whittier Regional Agreement Amendment Committee proposal, but took no action on personnel salary adjustments.

• Approved FY26 budget transfer from DPW electricity/parks/street lighting to town building operating expense (3-0)
• Approved three special event permits for WNRDC Pipestave Hill Schooling Jumper Show on July 14, July 28, and August 11 (3-0)
• Approved special event permit for Calibrate Events' 12th Annual Harborside Half Marathon & 5k on November 8 (3-0)
• Appointed Mark Angelini to Finance Committee effective July 16, 2026 (3-0)
• Appointed Sam Joslin as West Newbury's Local Government Representative for small clean energy permitting (3-0)
• Approved Select Board minutes from June 18, 2025 and June 25, 2026 (3-0 each)

Affordable Housing Trust

The Affordable Housing Trust will meet to review draft promotional materials for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and receive an update on the Small Grant program. The board will also hear outreach updates, approve June 3 meeting minutes, and review financial reports.

• Review of ADU promotional material draft
• Small Grant program application update
• Outreach updates
• Review of June 3, 2026 Meeting Minutes
• Review of Financial Reports

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will discuss the FY27 budget and sales study, and consider motor vehicle abatement reports. A property matter on Stewart Street (R15-8A) is also on the agenda.

• Motor Vehicle Abatement Reports
• FY27 Budget
• FY27 Sales Study
• Stewart St R15-8A

Whittier Regional Agreement Amendment Committee

The Whittier Tech Regional Agreement Amendment Committee (RAAC) will meet to discuss and vote on proposed methods for allocating capital costs among member communities. The committee will also decide how to present its recommendations to the School Committee, with a target date of July 23 for submitting a draft regional agreement.

• Vote on proposed capital cost allocation method(s) and other open policy questions in the working draft Regional Agreement
• Determine method of providing RAAC recommendations to the School Committee (written report, presentation, etc.)
• Recap of proposed alternate methods of capital cost allocation, including updated methodologies since June 25 meeting
• Target date of July 23 to refer RAAC report with draft Regional Agreement to the School Committee

The Regional Agreement Amendment Committee reviewed proposed methods for allocating capital costs, including a 50/50 model. A formal vote on the allocation method was postponed to the July 29 meeting to allow for further review by local leaders.

• Approved June 25, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Postponed vote on proposed cost allocation methods to July 29

Town Governance Committee

The Town Governance Committee will review outreach responses from employees, BCC members, and residents, and discuss interim findings from an organizational assessment. An update on the Town Manager search and next steps is also on the agenda.

• Review of employee, BCC and resident outreach and response
• Discussion of Organizational Assessment Interim Findings
• Update on Town Manager search and next steps

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a discussion on updating the Zoning Bylaw regarding slopes. The agenda also includes updates from various town committees and correspondence from the Zoning Enforcement Officer and residents.

Board of Registrars

The Board of Registrars is meeting to discuss upcoming fall elections and the schedule, as well as new board membership. The agenda includes approval of minutes and other non-action items.

• Discussion of new board membership
• Discussion of upcoming fall elections and schedule

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold public meetings on several Notices of Intent (NOIs), including a continued hearing for a driveway across Bordering Vegetated Wetland at 0 Middle Street, a gangway installation at Mill Pond dock, and a raze-and-rebuild of a single-family home at 1 Old Wharf Road. They will also consider ANRAD delineation at 187 Main Street, two Requests for Determination (RDA) for tree removal and garage construction, and three Certificate of Compliance requests. Discussions include wetland fill, tree cutting, and a wetlands bylaw review.

• NOI: 0 Middle Street – driveway across BVW, DEP#78-788 (continued to July 20, 2026)
• NOI: 693 Main Street – gangway installation at Mill Pond dock, DEP#78-802
• NOI: 1 Old Wharf Road – raze and rebuild single-family home, DEP#78-803
• Certificate of Compliance: 9 Marshall Drive – subdivision road and driveways, DEP#78-123 and #78-205
• Discussion: 13 Steed Ave wetland fill (continued to July 20, 2026)

The Commission approved a resource area delineation (ANRAD) for 187 Main Street, subject to revisions and a plan showing an intermittent stream. Several other projects were continued, including a driveway crossing a wetland at 0 Middle Street and a home rebuild at 1 Old Wharf Road. The Commission also issued negative determinations for tree removal at 87 River Road and a garage at 64 South Street, and elected officers for FY27.

• Approved ANRAD resource delineation at 187 Main Street, subject to revisions and a plan showing intermittent stream (5-0)
• Issued negative determination of applicability for tree removal at 87 River Road, with conditions (5-0)
• Issued negative determination of applicability for garage construction at 64 South Street, with erosion control conditions (5-0)
• Continued NOI for driveway at 0 Middle Street to July 20 (5-0)
• Continued NOI for gangway at Mill Pond dock to July 20 (5-0)
• Continued NOI for home rebuild at 1 Old Wharf Road to July 20 (5-0)
• Elected Molly Hawkins as Chair, David Parrott as Vice Chair, Rick Spieler as Clerk for FY27 (5-0)
• Ratified emergency certificate for tree removal at 175 River Road (5-0)

Select Board

The West Newbury Select Board will meet on July 2, 2026, at 1:15 pm in the First Floor Hearing Room to review interview questions, conduct three finalist interviews (Sean Fitzgerald, Matthew Kraunelis, Stephen Crane), deliberate, and vote to appoint an interim town manager.

• Finalist interviews for interim town manager: Sean Fitzgerald (1:40 pm), Matthew Kraunelis (2:20 pm), Stephen Crane (3:00 pm)
• Vote to appoint interim town manager
• Review of interview questions and discussion of process

The Select Board unanimously voted to appoint Sean Fitzgerald as Interim Town Manager, contingent on successful contract negotiations. The board also reviewed interview questions and the selection process for the interim role, and discussed next steps including a 60-day notice provision and a start date of August 3.

• Appointed Sean Fitzgerald as Interim Town Manager (3-0)
• Authorized the Select Board Chair to negotiate employment contract with Fitzgerald
• Agreed interim appointment would be 3-6 months, hourly, no benefits
• Set August 3 as target start date for interim town manager

Agricultural Committee

The Agricultural Committee will discuss a draft process for leasing or licensing town-owned agricultural fields, including details needed for a Request for Proposals (RFP). They will also review results from Board of Health meetings regarding a farming dispute at 111 Indian Hill Road and consider a library scavenger hunt to support local farming. The meeting includes approval of June minutes and annual reorganization to select officers.

• 111 Indian Hill Road – Discuss results of Board of Health meetings on a farming dispute
• Town-owned agricultural properties – Working discussion on an approval process for leasing/licensing town-owned fields
• Prepare draft process and itemize details needed for an RFP
• Library Scavenger Hunt – discussion to support farming in West Newbury
• Annual reorganization – select Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary

Select Board

The Select Board will vote on a Police Chief contract through May 2029, approve special permits for a Handtub Muster and a congregation gathering, and set EV charging station rates. They will also discuss updates on the Whittier Tech feasibility study, the Route 113 transportation plan, and the process for appointing an interim Town Manager.

• Vote to execute Police Chief contract through May 2029
• Approve special permits for Handtub Muster (July 18) and Unity on the River gathering (August 9)
• Review and vote on current EV charging rates at Town Office Building and Page School
• Discuss follow-up from Route 113 transportation planning workshop
• Appoint/reappoint members to multiple boards including Affordable Housing, Conservation, and Zoning Board of Appeals

The Select Board unanimously approved a contract for the Police Chief through May 2029. They also approved multiple special permits, reappointments, and endorsed MEVA bus stop signage locations. The board discussed the interim Town Manager search and future public comment policies.

• Approved Police Chief contract through May 2029 (3-0)
• Approved Handtub Muster special permit for July 18, 2026 (3-0)
• Approved Unity on the River congregation gathering/BBQ for August 9, 2026 (3-0)
• Reappointed 12 board/committee members for FY27 (2-0-1, Wile abstained)
• Appointed Leisa Mingo to Board of Registrars 3-year term (3-0)
• Appointed Janet Schucter to Board of Registrars 1-year term (3-0)
• Reappointed Tim Cronin as Planning Board Associate member through 6/30/2027 (3-0)
• Endorsed MEVA bus stop signage locations with additional stop between Page School and Newburyport (3-0)

Whittier Regional Agreement Amendment Committee

The Whittier Regional Agreement Amendment Committee will discuss and vote on new or updated cost allocation methods for the regional agreement. They will also review the draft regional agreement and set a timeline for a report to the School Committee.

• Vote on new or updated cost allocation method(s) for RAAC consideration
• Review working draft Regional Agreement, confirm or update for consistency with policy positions
• Establish timeline and division of labor for draft report with recommendations to School Committee
• Update from MSBA meeting on June 24th
• Public comment limited to 2 minutes per speaker on topics not on the agenda

The committee approved minutes from the June 10 meeting unanimously. No substantive decisions were made on cost allocation or the regional agreement; discussion focused on policy positions and alternative cost methods. The next meeting was rescheduled to July 8, 2026.

• Approved minutes from June 10, 2026 meeting (unanimous)

Mill Pond Committee

The Mill Pond Committee will consider special permit requests and review projects including the Mill Pond Dock, trail marking, and family events such as a Movie Night. The meeting will also include approval of prior minutes.

• Special permit requests
• Mill Pond Dock project
• Trail marking project
• Family events including Movie Night