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Haverhill, MA

Haverhill public meetings in 2020

47 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Tue Dec 15, 2020

City Council

Council to vote on $586,555 Plug Pond project, COVID testing site

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.

budgetcovid-19zoninghousingparkspublic-health
Tue Dec 8, 2020

City Council

Council to hear parking ordinance changes and COVID-19 update

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.

parkingcovid-19policemental-healthutilitieslicensesbudget
Thu Dec 3, 2020

License Commission

License Commission to vote on 2021 license renewals and car dealer transfer

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.

licensesalcoholmotor-vehiclesentertainmentcommon-victuallercar-dealer
✓ Decided: Haverhill License Commission approves 2021 license renewals

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.

Tue Dec 1, 2020

City Council

Council to vote on union salary ordinances and accept 5 streets as public ways

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.

salariesunionsstreetspublic-wayscovid-19vaccinehome-rule-petitionbudget
Tue Nov 17, 2020

City Council

Council to set FY2021 tax rates, exemptions, and fees

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.

taxesbudgetzoninghousinglicensesfees
Thu Nov 12, 2020

License Commission

License Commission to consider manager change and premises alteration

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.

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✓ Decided: License Commission approves two alcohol license changes

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.

Tue Nov 10, 2020

License Commission

✓ Decided: Retirement Board approves warrants, union offers, and administrator contract changes

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.

Tue Nov 10, 2020

City Council

Council to vote on firefighter contract, zoning overhaul, and police pay transfers

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.

firefighterszoningpolicebudgetcontractslicensescovid-19
Tue Oct 20, 2020

City Council

Council to hear special permit for 3-story mixed-use building at 42 Lafayette Square

The Haverhill City Council will hold a public hearing on a special permit for a 3-story mixed commercial/residential building at 42 Lafayette Square, with 14 residential and 2 commercial units. The council will also consider several capital budget transfers, including $100,000 for City Hall exterior repairs, and multiple license renewals and appointments. A request for a one-week continuance on a separate special permit for 9 condominium units at 229 Water Street is also on the agenda.

zoningspecial-permitbudgetparkinglicensesappointments
Fri Oct 16, 2020

License Commission

License Commission reviews pending applications for Mother Clucker's at 251 Primrose St

The Haverhill License Commission held a remote special meeting on October 16, 2020. The agenda lists pending approvals for entertainment and common victualler applications for Mother Clucker's, located at 251 Primrose St, managed by Gerald Cannon. All other agenda items, including minutes approval, one-day applications, and show cause hearings, were marked as having no schedule.

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✓ Decided: Haverhill License Commission approves Mother Clucker's licenses

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.

Tue Sep 29, 2020

City Council

Council to vote on AFSCME wastewater union contract with 1.75% raises

The Haverhill City Council is meeting to consider a new collective bargaining agreement with the AFSCME wastewater treatment plant employees, which includes 1.75% wage increases for each of two years. The council will also hold a public hearing on a special permit for an adult-use marijuana establishment, review several financial orders, and consider various appointments and license renewals.

budgetcontractsmarijuanawaterappointmentslicenses
✓ Decided: Council denies special permit for adult-use marijuana shop on Boston Road

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.

Tue Sep 15, 2020

City Council

✓ Decided: Council tables $77M capital plan, approves $272K water land purchase

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.

Thu Sep 3, 2020

License Commission

License board to hear show-cause cases for two Haverhill businesses

The Haverhill License Commission is meeting to handle routine business, including approving minutes from a prior remote meeting. The main items are show-cause hearings for Dream Team Auto and China King Buffet, which could result in license action. The board will also consider a change of ownership interest for Bradford Liquors.

Tue Aug 25, 2020

City Council

✓ Decided: Council approves CDBG plan, Broco Oil TIF, and FY21 budget transfers

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.

Fri Aug 21, 2020

License Commission

License Commission to consider Kelly's Restaurant outdoor dining request

The Haverhill License Commission is holding a remote special meeting on August 21, 2020. The only scheduled item is an application from Kelly's Restaurant at 75 South Main St to add outdoor dining. All other agenda items are marked as having no schedule.

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✓ Decided: Kelly's Restaurant outdoor dining approved with 4 tables, 9PM limit

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.

Tue Aug 11, 2020

City Council

Council to vote on restoring $1M to stabilization and spending $1.44M in state aid

The Haverhill City Council will consider the mayor's recommendation to appropriate $2.087 million in additional unrestricted local aid, including $1 million to restore stabilization funds and $1.44 million for various accounts such as highway repairs, capital projects, and city clerk salaries. The council will also hold hearings on special permits for apartment conversions and mixed-use development, and discuss several traffic and public safety items.

budgetzoninghousingroadstaxespublic-safetycovid-19
✓ Decided: Council approves special permit for 4 apartments at 417 Washington St.

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.

🏢 Building at this address: 6 m tall
Thu Aug 6, 2020

License Commission

License Commission to review auto dealer complaints and license transfer

The Haverhill License Commission is meeting to approve prior meeting minutes and consider several license applications. The agenda includes a used car license transfer for MCA Motors LLC and a new floor plan for South Elm Auto Sales. The commission will also hold show cause hearings for three auto dealers regarding consumer complaints and business practices.

Tue Jul 28, 2020

City Council

Council votes on full FY2021 budget vs. monthly 1/12 budget

The Haverhill City Council is deciding whether to approve the Mayor's full FY2021 budget or a monthly 1/12 budget order for August. The Mayor recommends adopting the full budget, citing operational difficulties with the monthly approach, particularly for the Highway Department. The agenda also includes a special permit hearing for storage containers at 211-219 Lincoln Avenue and bond orders for fire trucks.

budgetzoningpublic-worksfire-departmentcity-council
✓ Decided: Council adopts $196.2M FY2021 budget, replacing 1/12 funding

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.

Wed Jul 22, 2020

License Commission

License Commission to consider transfer of Lucky Corner's victualler license

The Haverhill License Commission is holding a remote special meeting on July 22, 2020. The only substantive item is a request to transfer a common victualler license from Lucky Corner Enterprise Inc to Winfeng Inc, doing business as Lucky Corner at 1155 Main St, with Lifeng Chen as manager. All other agenda items are marked as having no schedule.

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✓ Decided: License transfer approved for Lucky Corner at 1155 Main St

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.

Thu Jul 2, 2020

License Commission

License board reviews Wicked Axe documents and premises change

The Haverhill License Commission is reviewing additional documents for Wicked Axe at 721 South Main St, including a 'Return No Action' document from the ABCC. The applicant is also seeking a change of premises from the original application. This is a review item, not a final decision.

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✓ Decided: License suspended for Royal Crest Motors until trailer removed

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.

Tue Jun 23, 2020

License Commission

Haverhill License Commission reviews outdoor dining applications

The License Commission is meeting remotely to review applications for outdoor dining under City Ordinance CH 222. Most other agenda items, including alcohol and common victualler applications, have no scheduled business.

licensingrestaurantsoutdoor-diningcity-ordinance
✓ Decided: Haverhill License Commission approves two outdoor dining applications

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.

Mon Jun 15, 2020

License Commission

License Commission to review 5 outdoor dining applications

The Haverhill License Commission is holding a remote special meeting to review applications from five restaurants seeking temporary outdoor seating permits, including alcohol service, under the city's pandemic-related ordinance. The agenda lists no other scheduled business, so the outdoor dining applications are the sole substantive items.

outdoor-diningalcoholpermitsrestaurantscovid-19
✓ Decided: Haverhill License Commission approves 7 outdoor dining applications

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.

Tue Jun 9, 2020

City Council

✓ Decided: Council grants National Grid and Verizon utility permits for Park St/Pl

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.

Tue Jun 9, 2020

License Commission

✓ Decided: Board approves $1.8M PRIT liquidation for June warrant

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.

Mon Jun 8, 2020

License Commission

License Commission to hear continuation of Royal Crest Motors show cause hearing

The Haverhill License Commission is holding a special meeting with no scheduled items except a continuation of a show cause hearing for Royal Crest Motors, LLC, regarding alleged violations at 769 Amesbury Road. The hearing was continued from June 4, 2020, and involves failure of compliance checks, excess vehicles, junk cars, and a boat on premises. The commission will also consider outdoor dining applications from restaurants serving alcohol under city ordinance Ch 222.

licensesshow-cause-hearingoutdoor-diningmotor-vehiclesalcohol
Thu Jun 4, 2020

License Commission

License Commission to hear show cause hearings for two auto dealers

The Haverhill License Commission will hold show cause hearings for two auto dealerships accused of storing excess vehicles and boats, and will discuss continued incidents at two other establishments. It will also consider two winery special permits for the farmers market. Most agenda sections have no scheduled items.

licenseshearingsauto-dealerswineryfarmers-market
✓ Decided: License Commission suspends Royal Crest Motors license over violations

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.

Tue Jun 2, 2020

City Council

Haverhill Council to weigh outdoor dining expansion, dam removal study, rail trail easements

The Haverhill City Council is meeting virtually to consider several items, including an emergency ordinance to expand outdoor dining options for restaurants during COVID-19, a letter of support for a feasibility study on removing the Little River Dam, and multiple orders related to the Bradford Rail Trail project. The council will also hear an update from the mayor on the city's COVID-19 response and discuss a proposal for downtown electric vehicle chargers.

covid-19outdoor-diningdam-removalrail-trailtifzoningelectric-vehicles
✓ Decided: Council approves temporary outdoor dining ordinance for COVID-19 recovery

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.

Tue May 19, 2020

City Council

Council to weigh two ballot questions for Nov. 3 election

The Haverhill City Council will consider two ballot questions for the November 3, 2020 special election: one on creating a charter commission and another on changing school committee elections to at-large and ward seats. The council will also hear a COVID-19 update from the mayor, discuss the Haverhill One Fund, and review the city's preliminary financial report for March 2020.

ballot-questionscovid-19budgetschool-committeecharter-commissionpublic-hearing
✓ Decided: Council tables all local ballot questions until 2021 or later

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.

Tue May 12, 2020

City Council

✓ Decided: Council authorizes mayor to sign MSBA feasibility agreement for Consentino School

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.

Tue May 5, 2020

City Council

Council to approve MSBA submission for John G. Whittier School renovation

The Haverhill City Council is scheduled to vote on authorizing the submission of a Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) Statement of Interest for the John G. Whittier School. This action is required to address structural deficiencies and overcrowding at the school located at 256 Concord Street. The meeting also includes a special permit hearing for a residential conversion and discussions on pandemic-related community support measures.

educationzoningpublic-healthgovernment-operationshousing
Tue Apr 14, 2020

City Council

Council to hear COVID-19 update, consider special permits for housing and storage

The Haverhill City Council meets to receive a COVID-19 update from the mayor and consider two special permit requests, both postponed to later dates. The agenda also includes routine items like license renewals and abatement reports, plus several councilor communications on topics such as school projects, an animal shelter, and COVID-19 tracking.

covid-19zoninghousingspecial-permitlicensesabatementschoolsanimal-shelter
Tue Apr 14, 2020

License Commission

✓ Decided: Retirement Board approves $2M PRIT liquidation for benefits

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.

Tue Apr 7, 2020

City Council

Haverhill City Council to weigh COVID-19 gathering ban, special permit

The Haverhill City Council meets to consider an emergency ordinance prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people on public property, with fines for violations, to enforce COVID-19 social distancing. The council will also hear a request for a special permit to convert a three-family dwelling into a four-family unit at 367-369 Hilldale Avenue, though a continuance to April 14 has been requested. Other items include a $30,000 transfer for street light expenses and a noise ordinance amendment for car wash facilities.

covid-19zoningbudgetpublic-safetyordinancehousing
✓ Decided: Haverhill Council passes emergency ordinance banning gatherings of 10+

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.

Tue Mar 31, 2020

City Council

Haverhill City Council to vote on $273,758 COVID-19 fund transfer and charter change ballot question

The Haverhill City Council meets March 31, 2020, under COVID-19 emergency rules allowing remote participation. The agenda includes a vote on transferring $273,758.78 from capital project accounts to a COVID-19 emergency account, and a postponed vote on placing a charter-change question on the November 2020 ballot. Several discussions are scheduled, including a possible isolation center for the homeless and first responders, and tax filing deadline alignment.

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✓ Decided: Council transfers $130,025 to COVID-19 emergency fund

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.

Tue Mar 24, 2020

City Council

Council to vote on TIF deal for 21-27 Washington St redevelopment

The Haverhill City Council is deciding on a resolution to authorize the mayor to execute a TIF agreement for the market-rate/mixed-use project at 21-27 Washington Street, previously approved. The agenda also includes postponing street acceptance hearings, utility permits for National Grid and Verizon, a special permit for a 36-unit housing development at the former St. Joseph School, and various license renewals.

zoninghousingtax-increment-financingpoliceutilitieslicensesbudget
Tue Mar 17, 2020

City Council

Council to consider ballot question on ward vs. at-large councilors

The Haverhill City Council will discuss a proposed ballot question for the November 2020 election asking voters whether to petition the legislature to change the city charter to elect seven councilors by ward and four at-large. The mayor recommends tabling this until March 31. The council will also hold hearings on accepting five streets as public ways and a special permit for a mixed-use conversion at 21-27 Washington Street.

zoningcharterstreetsbudgethousinglicenses
Tue Mar 10, 2020

City Council

Council to hear COVID-19 preparedness, energy agreements, zoning overhaul

The Haverhill City Council will hear from the mayor on COVID-19 preparedness and discuss several energy agreements, including power purchase and lease agreements with solar companies. The council will also consider a major zoning ordinance overhaul and various petitions, including a special permit for storage containers. Several routine items like appointments and license renewals are also on the agenda.

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Thu Mar 5, 2020

License Commission

Commission reviews license violations and applications for Haverhill businesses

The Haverhill License Commission will review continued business applications, including a lease approval for Wicked Axe at 721 South Main Street. The agenda includes one-day alcohol license requests for events at Winnekenni Castle and Northern Essex Community College. Additionally, the body will hold show cause hearings regarding vehicle storage violations at three auto dealerships and discuss audit failures at two other dealerships.

licensingalcoholauto-dealerscompliancehearings
Tue Feb 25, 2020

City Council

Council to weigh mixed-use conversion at 21-27 Washington St, plus developer designation for Ornsteen Property

The Haverhill City Council is meeting to consider several items, including a special permit for a mixed-use conversion at 21-27 Washington St, a request to designate The Procopio Companies as preferred developer for the Ornsteen Property, and a waiver of affordability restriction for a unit at 70 Washington St. The agenda also includes routine items like license renewals, appointments, and a vetoed parking ordinance.

zoninghousingdevelopmentbudgetparkinglicenses
Tue Feb 11, 2020

License Commission

✓ Decided: Retirement Board approves $2M PRIT liquidation for benefit payments

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.

Tue Feb 11, 2020

City Council

Council to vote on revised MSBA statement for Haverhill High roof

The Haverhill City Council will consider a revised Statement of Interest for the Haverhill High School roof, which requires approval for submission to the Massachusetts School Building Authority. The council will also hold hearings on a zoning amendment for sober homes and a National Grid pole installation, and will consider several appointments, licenses, and other routine items.

zoningschoolsbudgetutilitiesparkinglicensesappointments
Thu Feb 6, 2020

License Commission

License Commission to review new entertainment, alcohol, and food licenses

The Haverhill License Commission will consider several new license applications, including entertainment and common victualler licenses for Wicked Axe and Nelly's Kitchen, and a one-day alcohol license for a bridal shower. They will also discuss complaints about J & N Automotive Services and Tropical Fire and Grill. The meeting includes approval of the January 9, 2020 minutes.

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✓ Decided: Haverhill License Commission meeting postponed due to lack of quorum

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.

Mon Feb 3, 2020

License Commission

License Commission to hear show cause cases on alcohol and car lot violations

The Haverhill License Commission will hold show cause hearings for alleged violations, including possible over-serving at Moonshiners Lounge and several auto dealers exceeding licensed vehicle capacity. The agenda also includes a request from Cars4U to expand its Class II license by ten spaces. Most agenda items are marked as no schedule, indicating no other business is scheduled.

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Thu Jan 23, 2020

License Commission

✓ Decided: Board votes 3-1 to offer Laura Angus benefits counselor job at $70,000

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.

Tue Jan 14, 2020

City Council

✓ Decided: Council approves 5-unit residential conversion at 4 Batchelder's Court

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.

Tue Jan 7, 2020

City Council

✓ Decided: Council passes snow plowing rate order, sets March 3 primary

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.

Mon Jan 6, 2020

City Council

Haverhill City Council holds inaugural meeting, certifies 2019 election results

The Haverhill City Council is holding its inaugural meeting for 2020. The agenda includes the certification of the November 5, 2019 election results for Mayor, City Council, and School Committee, followed by an inaugural address and a reception. This is a ceremonial and procedural meeting, with no legislative business scheduled.

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✓ Decided: Haverhill City Council organizes for 2020, elects Barrett as president

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.