Amesbury meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Amesbury boards weigh kratom ban, school policies, and housing projects

Over the past two weeks, Amesbury boards and committees met to consider a range of items, including a proposed ban on kratom sales, a new student restraint policy, and continued hearings on several housing developments. Minutes for these meetings have not yet been published, so no final decisions are confirmed.

Board of Health: Kratom ban vote

The Board of Health met Aug. 18 and had on its agenda a vote on a regulation to prohibit the sale or distribution of kratom products. The agenda included a presentation by Holly Trouville on kratom ban advocacy. The board also planned to approve minutes from its June meeting and receive a report from MVPHA. No outcome has been reported.

School Committee: Restraint policy, surplus vans, handbooks

The School Committee met Aug. 10 with several items up for vote, including a second reading of a policy on time-out, seclusion, and physical restraint of students, and a vote to surplus three district vans. The committee also reviewed the SY 2026-2027 school handbooks. Warrants on the agenda totaled $735,113.12 across five dates, and the committee acknowledged a $5,000 gift from two foundations for the Windrush Therapeutic Riding Program.

A subcommittee meeting on Aug. 18 focused on setting goals for the 2026-27 school year, community engagement planning, and the Spotlight Award. Another subcommittee, Policy, Personnel & Strategy, met Aug. 21 to set its own goals and schedule.

Planning Board: Continued hearings on developments

The Planning Board met Aug. 10 to continue public hearings on several development proposals, including a special permit for 29 Lake Attitash Road, a site plan and accessory dwelling unit at 12 Oak Street, a site plan and special permit at 3 Old Merrill Street, and a site plan for the Amesbury Gateway Village Smart Growth District at 28 Haverhill Road. The board also considered administrative items such as modification requests for 102 Kimball Road and 7 Birch Lane. The board is scheduled to hold further hearings on Aug. 24.

Housing Trust and Housing Authority

The Amesbury Housing Trust met Aug. 12 to discuss a proposal on payment in lieu of affordable housing units, along with updates on the Emergency Rehab Note Program and the Subsidized Rental Program. The Housing Authority met Aug. 18 to approve fair housing plans for FY 2026 and FY 2027, and to approve wage matches for those years. The authority also reviewed multiple capital improvement projects, including a fire alarm, exterior concrete bulkheads, and a building envelope project.

Other boards and committees

The Conservation Commission met Aug. 17 on routine administrative items, including minutes, invoices, and a discussion of the Battis Farm Signage. The Council on Aging Board met Aug. 13 to discuss governance best practices and updates on the Costello Center. The Design Review Committee met Aug. 18 to review sign applications for Quick Pit Stop at 63 Friend Street and The Fruitful Fig at 57 Main Street. The Technical Review Committee met Aug. 20 to review the Washington Landing Maritime Facility at 18 Merrimac Street, the Rocky Hill Development subdivision, and stormwater management plans for properties on Elmwood Street, Kimball Road, and School Street. The Cemetery Advisory Commission met Aug. 21 to discuss a walking tour request at Mt Prospect Cemetery and a found gravestone. The agenda for the Health Care Trust Commission meeting on Aug. 19 was largely illegible.

Coming up

• **School Committee** (Aug. 24): Expected vote on the 2026-2027 school handbooks, possible vote on district goals, and Q4 budget and facilities reports. Warrants total $433,081.64; a $1,000 donation from the Civic Star Essay Contest is on the agenda.
• **Planning Board** (Aug. 24): Public hearings on the Rocky Hill Development, accessory dwelling units, and new subdivisions at 2-4 Elmwood Street and 14 Maple Street.
• **Board of Registrars** (Aug. 24 and 26): Pre-processing of early voted ballots for the Sept. 1 state primary, at City Hall, 1 Market Street.
• **Zoning Board of Appeals** (Aug. 27): Continued hearing for a comprehensive permit for a proposed 95-unit cottage rental development at 27 Kimball Road, with 25% of units deed-restricted for low or moderate income housing.
• **Community Preservation Committee** (Aug. 26): Review of the Community Preservation Plan document and timeline.
• **MassHire Merrimack Valley Workforce Board** (Aug. 26): Vote on the FY27 Annual Plan, due to the City of Lawrence Mayor by Aug. 31.

All meetings are open to the public; check the city's website for details on how to attend or submit comments.

Amesbury boards tackle housing, schools, and health; no decisions published yet

Over the past two weeks, Amesbury boards and committees met on a wide range of topics, but no formal decisions have been published yet. Agendas were posted for all recent meetings, but minutes are not yet available, so no votes or outcomes can be confirmed. The most consequential items on the horizon include a proposed 95-unit housing development and a vote on a kratom sales ban.

Housing and development

The Zoning Board of Appeals will continue a hearing on Aug. 27 for a comprehensive permit application by MP Properties IV, LLC to build 95 multifamily cottage rental units on 9.4 acres at 27 Kimball Road. Twenty-five percent of the units would be deed-restricted for low or moderate income housing. The board will review peer review memos on civil and environmental matters.

The Planning Board held continued hearings on Aug. 10 for several projects, including a special permit for 29 Lake Attitash Road, a site plan and accessory dwelling unit at 12 Oak Street, a site plan and special permit at 3 Old Merrill Street, and a site plan for the Amesbury Gateway Village Smart Growth District at 28 Haverhill Road. Requests to continue two of these hearings to Aug. 24 were on the agenda. The board also considered modification requests for 102 Kimball Road and 7 Birch Lane.

The Conservation Commission reviewed five Notice of Intent filings on Aug. 3, including a multifamily development at 265-287.5 Elm Street (Rocky Hill Development), single-family homes at 29 and 4 Lake Attitash Road, a multifamily development at 28 Haverhill Road (Pulte Homes), and an accessory dwelling unit at 3 Old Merrill Street. A Certificate of Compliance request for a retaining wall at 26 Merrimac Street was also on the agenda.

Schools

The School Committee met Aug. 10 with several items on its agenda, including a vote to surplus three district vans, a second reading of a policy on time-out, seclusion, and physical restraint of students, and a review of the SY 2026-2027 school handbooks. Warrants totaling $735,113.12 across five dates were listed, along with gifts of $5,000 from two foundations for the Windrush Therapeutic Riding Program.

The Joint Education Committee met Aug. 6 to discuss entry planning with Superintendent Zadravec, receive updates on athletic fields from former APS Athletic Director Glen Gearin, and review a regionalization feasibility study for facilities.

Health and public safety

The Board of Health will meet Aug. 18 to vote on a regulation prohibiting the sale or distribution of kratom products, following a presentation by Holly Trouville. The board will also approve minutes from its June meeting and receive a report from the Merrimack Valley Public Health Alliance.

The Merrimack Valley Public Health Alliance met Aug. 4 to review its annual report and FY26 recap, along with a regional board of health fee analysis and intermunicipal agreement updates.

Other boards

The Cultural Council met Aug. 4 and had on its agenda a vote to approve $3,750 for a trolley rental with Salem Trolley for Open Studios 2026, a $20 reimbursement for two tickets to the Chamber's July mixer, and a reimbursement to Bailey Campbell for art supplies for Pride Day and Juneteenth celebration.

The Energy, Environment & Sustainability Committee met Aug. 4 to discuss Community Power Aggregation, the Mass Saves Community Partnership, municipal lighting and water heater projects, and a proposed Municipal Solid Waste Working Group meeting.

The Amesbury Housing Trust met Aug. 12 to discuss payment in lieu of affordable housing units, updates on the Emergency Rehab Note Program and Subsidized Rental Program, and a financial report.

Coming up

• **Board of Health** – Aug. 18, vote on kratom sales ban.
• **School Committee sub-committee** – Aug. 18, planning for 2026-27.
• **Zoning Board of Appeals** – Aug. 27, continued hearing on 95-unit development at 27 Kimball Road.
• **Board of Registrars** – Aug. 24-26, pre-processing early ballots for the Sept. 1 state primary.
• **Technical Review Committee** – Aug. 20, review of maritime facility, subdivision, and stormwater plans.

Amesbury boards weigh fire truck borrowing, school restraint policy, and development projects

Over the past two weeks, Amesbury boards and committees have taken up a range of items, from a $1.6 million fire truck purchase to school policy changes. While minutes from recent meetings have not yet been published, the agendas provide a preview of decisions under consideration. Upcoming meetings include a School Committee vote on student restraint policy and a Planning Board session on several development projects.

City Council

At its July 28 meeting, the City Council considered several funding orders, including:

• **Order 2026-117:** Borrow $1,600,000 for two fire pumpers and incidental equipment.
• **Order 2026-118:** Transfer $48,000 from Water Retained Earnings to Water Sick Leave Buy-Back.
• **Order 2026-119:** Transfer $15,000 from Budget Reserve to Public Health Salaries & Wages.
• **Order 2026-120:** Declare various municipal vehicles and equipment as surplus.

The council also appointed election workers for the November 3, 2026 State Election.

On August 5, the council held a special virtual meeting for a public hearing on National Grid pole work (WR #30531898) regarding underground conduit at Sparhawk St./Main St.

Planning Board

The Planning Board met on July 27 and continued public hearings on site plans for 28 Haverhill Road (Amesbury Gateway Village Smart Growth District) and 265 R, 277 R, 281, 287, 287 R, 287.5 Elm Street (Rocky Hill Development). The board also reviewed modification requests for 201 Elm Street and 102 Kimball Road, and sign reviews for 135 Main Street, 100 Macy Street (Oye Mira), and 100 Macy Street (Stop n Shop).

An upcoming meeting on August 10 will continue hearings on a special permit for 29 Lake Attitash Road, a site plan and accessory dwelling unit at 12 Oak Street, a site plan and special permit at 3 Old Merrill Street, and the Haverhill Road site plan. Administrative items include modification requests for 102 Kimball Road and 7 Birch Lane.

Schools

The Joint Education Committee met on August 6 to hear updates on entry planning from Superintendent Zadravec, athletic fields from former APS Athletic Director Glen Gearin, and a regionalization feasibility study for facilities.

The School Committee will meet on August 10 and is expected to vote on:

• A second reading of policy JKAA (time-out, seclusion, and physical restraint of students).
• A vote to surplus three district vans.
• Review of SY 2026-2027 school handbooks.
• Warrants totaling $735,113.12 across five dates.
• Gifts of $5,000 from two foundations for the Windrush Therapeutic Riding Program.

Other Boards

• **Cultural Council:** On July 28, the Cultural Center Subcommittee considered allocating $100 for a TV sound bar and hanging bulletin board, and $50 for kitchen shelving. On August 4, the council voted on a $3,750 trolley rental with Salem Trolley for Open Studios 2026, a $20 reimbursement for two Chamber mixer tickets, and reimbursement for art supplies for Pride Day and Juneteenth.
• **Conservation Commission (Aug 3):** Reviewed five Notice of Intent filings for residential projects, including a multifamily development at 28 Haverhill Road (Pulte Homes) and a single-family home at 29 Lake Attitash Road (Cavallaro), plus a Certificate of Compliance request for a retaining wall at 26 Merrimac Street.
• **Retirement Board (July 30):** Agenda included retirement applications for Barry Wilson ($6,051.65/month), William Lickteig ($5,146.02/month), and Barbara M. Foley ($1,427.28/month); a service buyback for Michael Purvis ($3,391.29); transfers totaling $21,879.52 for Susan G. Joslin and Nicholas P. Gilmore; and recalculated reimbursements saving $146,322.17.
• **Board of Assessors (July 28):** Reviewed 2027 preliminary tax warrants, motor vehicle excise abatements, and a personal property uncollectable tax for 2020.
• **Energy Committee (Aug 4):** Discussed Community Power Aggregation, Mass Saves Community Partnership, municipal lighting, and a proposed Municipal Solid Waste Working Group meeting on August 12.
• **Technical Review Committee (Aug 6):** Reviewed projects at 29 Water Street, 46 Elm St. (Sunrise Bagel), and 40 Water St. (Port Pickle), plus a traffic request.
• **Design Review Committee (Aug 4):** Reviewed a sign for Quick Pit Stop at 63 Friend Street and a modification request for 102 Kimball Road.
• **Merrimack Valley Public Health Alliance (Aug 4):** Reviewed annual report, FY26 recap, and regional board of health fee analysis.
• **Trustees of War Memorials (July 28):** Reviewed financials and discussed maintenance needs.

Coming up

• **School Committee** – August 10, 2026: Vote on restraint policy, surplus vans, handbooks.
• **Planning Board** – August 10, 2026: Continued hearings on development projects.
• **Council on Aging Board** – August 13, 2026: Governance best practices, Costello Center updates.
• **Health Care Trust Commission** – August 19, 2026: Agenda largely illegible; no specific items identified.

Amesbury boards weigh $1.6M fire truck borrowing, 95-unit housing plan in busy July stretch

Amesbury's boards and committees packed the last two weeks of July with funding orders, housing hearings, and routine financial reviews. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent meetings below, the items reflect what each body was scheduled to take up, not confirmed outcomes.

City Council: $1.6 million fire pumper borrowing on the agenda

The City Council's July 28 meeting was set to include votes on four funding orders and an election-worker appointment for the November 3, 2026 State Election. The largest item was Order 2026-117, authorizing borrowing of $1,600,000 for two fire pumpers and incidental equipment. The council was also scheduled to act on:

• Order 2026-118: Transfer $48,000 from Water Retained Earnings to Water Sick Leave Buy-Back.
• Order 2026-119: Transfer $15,000 from Budget Reserve to Public Health Salaries & Wages for a nurse position.
• Order 2026-120: Declare various municipal vehicles and equipment as surplus.

The City Council Standing Committee of the Whole had reviewed the same orders on July 21.

Zoning Board of Appeals: 95-unit Kimball Road hearing continued

The Zoning Board of Appeals met July 23 with a full docket, including a continued comprehensive permit hearing for a 95-unit cottage rental development at 27 Kimball Road, with 25% affordable units. Other scheduled hearings covered a variance for a single-family home at 136 Haverhill Road, a finding for an addition at 10 Portsmouth Road, and a continued variance and special permit to convert a home to two-family at 253 Main Street.

Retirement Board: Three retirements and a service buyback

The Amesbury Retirement Board's July 30 agenda listed approval of retirement applications for Barry Wilson at $6,051.65/month, William Lickteig at $5,146.02/month, and Barbara M. Foley at $1,427.28/month. The board was also scheduled to approve Michael Purvis's service buyback for $3,391.29 and transfers totaling $21,879.52 for Susan G. Joslin and Nicholas P. Gilmore. The agenda noted recalculated 3(8)(c) reimbursements that saved $146,322.17.

Planning Board: Site plan hearings for Haverhill Road and Elm Street

The Planning Board met July 27 to continue public hearings on two site plans: 28 Haverhill Road in the Amesbury Gateway Village Smart Growth District, and 265 R, 277 R, 281, 287, 287 R, and 287.5 Elm Street (Rocky Hill Development). Modification requests for 201 Elm Street and 102 Kimball Road were also listed, along with sign reviews for 135 Main Street and 100 Macy Street (Oye Mira and Stop n Shop).

Other boards and committees

• **Housing Authority (July 21):** Scheduled to approve the annual plan and a budget amendment, review April 2026 financials, and get updates on capital projects including ARPA fire alarm system (#007098) and exterior concrete bulkheads (#007099).
• **Design Review Committee (July 21):** Sign proposals for Main Street Congregational Church (135 Main Street), Oye Mira (100 Macy Street), Stop n Shop (100 Macy Street), and Quick Pit Stop (63 Friend Street).
• **Library Board of Trustees (July 21):** Review of the 2026 Annual Appeal status and fund expenditure procedures. Meeting at 14 Cedar Street.
• **Community Preservation Committee (July 22):** Review of Community Preservation Plan draft sections and forms; approval of June 24, 2026 minutes.
• **Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee (July 22):** Invasive Plant Management Plan returned from Conservation Commission review, and a draft Trail Management and Stewardship Plan.
• **School Committee (July 22):** Policy-Personnel-Strategy Meeting of the Whole to review JKAA policy drafts on student time-out, seclusion, and physical restraint.
• **Board of Assessors (July 28):** Review and sign 2027 preliminary tax warrants (CPA, real estate, personal property), motor vehicle excise abatement packets for June and July 2026, and a personal property uncollectable tax from 2020.
• **Cultural Council Cultural Center Subcommittee (July 28):** Votes to allocate $100 for a TV sound bar and hanging bulletin board, and $50 for kitchen shelving.
• **Trustees of War Memorials (July 28):** Financial review, maintenance needs, and welcoming of new members.

Coming up

• **Conservation Commission, Aug. 3:** Five Notice of Intent filings for residential projects, including multifamily developments at Elm Street (Rocky Hill) and 28 Haverhill Road (Pulte Homes), plus a Certificate of Compliance request for a retaining wall at 26 Merrimac Street.
• **City Council, Aug. 5:** Special virtual public hearing on National Grid Pole Hearing WR #30531898 regarding underground conduit at Sparhawk St./Main St.
• **Cultural Council, Aug. 4:** Vote on $3,750 trolley rental with Salem Trolley for Open Studios 2026.
• **Energy, Environment & Sustainability Committee, Aug. 4:** Community Power Aggregation status and Lumos Lighting mobilization at City Hall Annex on Aug. 17.
• **Technical Review Committee, Aug. 6:** Project reviews at 29 Water Street, 46 Elm Street (Sunrise Bagel), and 40 Water Street (Port Pickle).

Amesbury boards weigh fire truck borrowing, housing developments; Health Care Trust approves $274 in payments

The only Amesbury board with published decisions this past week was the Health Care Trust Commission, which approved four case payments totaling $274.00. Most other meetings were held on agenda items whose outcomes are not yet available in official minutes, including a City Council review of a $1,600,000 borrowing request for two fire pumpers.

Health Care Trust Commission — July 15

The commission unanimously accepted its May meeting minutes. A case adjustment reduced the amount for case 2026-21-02 from $504.00 to $431.00. The board approved payments for four cases: 2026-14-07 ($85.00), 2026-14-08 ($14.00), 2026-14-09 ($55.00), and 2026-08-05 ($120.00). A motion to adjourn at 2:50 p.m. was made; the outcome of that motion was not recorded in the minutes.

City Council — July 14

The City Council's agenda included an order to borrow $1,600,000 for the purchase of two fire pumpers. Other items listed were a drainage infrastructure easement at 11 East Greenwood Street, a utility easement at 10 Water Street for National Grid and Verizon New England, Inc., an amendment to Chapter 392 Solid Waste with a new fee schedule, and a $15,000 transfer from Budget Reserve to Public Health Salaries & Wages. Minutes have not been published, so outcomes are not yet known.

Conservation Commission — July 6

The commission was scheduled to continue a hearing on NOI 002-1362 for the Rocky Hill multifamily development at 265-287.5 Elm Street and open a new hearing on NOI 002-1365 for a Pulte Homes multi-family project at 28 Haverhill Road. Additional items included a new hearing on an accessory dwelling unit at 3 Old Merrill Street (NOI 002-1367), a Certificate of Compliance request for 28 Lake Attitash Road, and an administrative enforcement order regarding Lions Mouth Road paving by the City of Amesbury.

Planning Board — July 13

A new public hearing was scheduled for 3 Old Merrill Street on a Site Plan (Section XI.C) and Special Permit (XI.K3). Continued hearings included 30 Lake Attitash Road for a Special Permit in the Water Resource Protection District and 29 Water Street for a Site Plan and Special Permit tied to Historic Preservation. Administrative items covered a modification request for 201 Elm Street, covenants and bonds, and endorsement of plans.

Historical Commission — July 9 and July 16

The commission held or scheduled final reviews and votes on Historic Preservation Special Permits for 9 Oakland Street and 29 Water Street. Both meetings included an update on 394 Main Street and reports from the Design Review Committee and Community Preservation Committee.

Housing Authority — July 7

The Amesbury & Merrimac Housing Authority agenda listed approval of the lowest bidder for ARPA-funded exterior concrete bulkheads (Project #007099) and for a sustainable heating system at 30 Field Street (Project #007135). The board also planned to renew annual contracts for plumbing, electrical, and flooring maintenance.

Other Meetings

The Cultural Council agenda included votes on $500 for rack cards, $4,000 for Open Studios marketing, and $2,000 for contracting musicians. The Energy Committee discussed Bill 2026-109 to amend Chapter 392 Solid Waste and adopt a fee schedule, plus a bylaw rewrite to add two alternate members. The Technical Review Committee reviewed prospective projects at 83-91 Macy St. (Leaf Water Farms) and 6 Morrill St. (a bathhouse). The Design Review Committee took up sign requests at 135 Main Street and 26 Friend Street and an ADU application at 12 Oak Street. The Library Board of Trustees reviewed a budget report and the FY27-29 Strategic Plan. The Amesbury Housing Trust discussed payments in lieu of building affordable housing units.

Coming Up

• **July 21 — City Council Standing Committee of the Whole:** Discussion of Order 2026-117 to borrow $1,600,000 for two fire pumpers, plus transfers for sick leave buy-back and public health staffing, and a surplus declaration for municipal vehicles.
• **July 21 — Amesbury Housing Authority:** Approval of the annual plan, a budget amendment, and updates on capital projects including the ARPA fire alarm system (#007098) and exterior concrete bulkheads (#007099).
• **July 23 — Zoning Board of Appeals:** Continued hearing on a comprehensive permit for a 95-unit cottage rental development at 27 Kimball Road, with 25% affordable units. Also on the agenda: variances for 136 Haverhill Road and 253 Main Street, and a finding for 10 Portsmouth Road.
• **July 21 — Design Review Committee:** Sign proposals for Main Street Congregational Church, Oye Mira, Stop n Shop, and Quick Pit Stop.

Amesbury boards weigh housing, fire equipment, and solid waste fees as summer sessions continue

Several Amesbury boards and commissions met over the past two weeks, though minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent sessions, meaning only agenda items — not confirmed outcomes — can be reported. The most consequential upcoming item is a City Council order to borrow $1,600,000 for two fire pumpers, scheduled for July 14.

Housing Authority set to approve capital project bids

The Amesbury & Merrimac Housing Authority met July 7 with plans to approve lowest bidders for two capital improvement projects: ARPA-funded exterior concrete bulkheads (Project #007099) and a sustainable heating system at 30 Field Street (Project #007135). The board also planned to renew annual maintenance contracts for plumbing, electrical, and flooring services. Minutes have not been published, so it is not yet confirmed whether these approvals went through.

Conservation Commission takes up wetlands development hearings

The Conservation Commission met July 6 to discuss and possibly vote on several Notices of Intent near wetlands. Continued hearings included the Rocky Hill multifamily development at 265-287.5 Elm Street (NOI 002-1362) and a Pulte Homes multi-family project at 28 Haverhill Road (NOI 002-1365). New hearings covered an accessory dwelling unit at 3 Old Merrill Street (NOI 002-1367), a Certificate of Compliance request for 28 Lake Attitash Road, and an administrative enforcement order regarding Lions Mouth Road paving by the City of Amesbury. Minutes are not yet available.

Cultural Council considers $6,500 in Open Studios funding

The Cultural Council met twice — June 30 and July 8. The July 8 agenda included votes on $500 for rack cards, $4,000 for Open Studios marketing, and $2,000 for contracting musicians, totaling $6,500. The June 30 subcommittee meeting covered grant expenses, rental collections, and discussions of a Community Closet Exchange and a photography exhibit. Minutes are not yet published.

Energy Committee reviews solid waste fee schedule

The Energy, Environment & Sustainability Committee met July 8 to discuss Bill 2026-109, which would amend Chapter 392 of the city code on solid waste and adopt a new fee schedule. The committee also planned to vote on bylaw changes adding two alternate members. Other agenda items included Mass Saves Community Partnership contractor issues, solar farm credit updates, municipal building water audits, Lumos Lighting, and composting programs. Minutes are not yet available.

Historical Commission schedules final votes on preservation permits

The Historical Commission met July 9 with final reviews and votes planned on Historic Preservation Special Permits for 9 Oakland Street and 29 Water Street. The commission also expected updates on 394 Main Street and reports from the Design Review Committee and Community Preservation Committee. Minutes are not yet published.

Technical Review Committee examines new projects

On July 9, the Technical Review Committee reviewed prospective projects for Leaf Water Farms at 83-91 Macy St. and a bathhouse at 6 Morrill St., plus an accessory dwelling unit application at 12 Oak Street. The Design Review Committee on July 7 also reviewed the same 12 Oak Street ADU application and sign requests for 135 Main Street (Main Street Congregational Church) and 26 Friend Street (The Barnes Team). Minutes are not yet available for either meeting.

Coming up

• **July 13 — Planning Board:** New public hearing on site plan and special permit for 3 Old Merrill Street; continued hearings on 30 Lake Attitash Road and 29 Water Street; administrative items including a modification request for 201 Elm Street.
• **July 14 — City Council:** Order to borrow $1,600,000 for two fire pumpers; easement approvals at 11 East Greenwood Street and 10 Water Street; solid waste fee schedule amendment; $15,000 transfer from Budget Reserve to Public Health Salaries & Wages.
• **July 15 — Library Board of Trustees:** FY27-29 Strategic Plan update, budget report, and facilities updates.
• **July 15 — Health Care Trust Commission:** Financial report and minutes approval.
• **July 23 — Zoning Board of Appeals:** Continued hearing on a comprehensive permit for a 95-unit cottage rental development at 27 Kimball Road, with 25% affordable units; also hearings on 136 Haverhill Road, 10 Portsmouth Road, and 253 Main Street.

Amesbury boards weigh housing plan, $1.2M boat launch grant; Conservation Commission hearing set for tonight

Amesbury's City Council was scheduled to vote June 23 on adopting the 2024-2029 Housing Production Plan and authorizing a $1,199,660 grant for the Washington Landing Boat Launch restoration, according to the meeting agenda. Minutes for that session and all other recent meetings below have not yet been published, so outcomes are not confirmed.

City Council

The June 23 agenda listed several consequential items for council action: adoption of the five-year Housing Production Plan, the $1,199,660 Washington Landing Boat Launch grant, establishment of a Solid Waste Enterprise Fund to facilitate new residential trash fees, and a $10,000 grant for Amesbury High School football helmet covers. Public hearings were also scheduled for flammable storage permits at 241-243 Main St and 132 Elm St. Because minutes are not yet available, it is not known which items passed.

MassHire Merrimack Valley Workforce Board

The non-city board that serves Amesbury was set to vote June 23 on transferring $48,571 from FY26 WIOA Adult to FY26 WIOA Dislocated Worker programs to fund seven Individual Training Accounts. The board was also scheduled to vote on recommendations from the Planning/Career Center Committee for the WIOA Youth RFP Program and to approve minutes from its April 28, 2026 quarterly meeting. Outcomes are not confirmed.

Retirement Board

The June 25 agenda included a performance review for the Administrator tied to a proposed 3% salary increase effective July 1, 2026, and authorization of up to $500,000 in total transfers from PRIT for July retiree payroll. The board was also scheduled to process retirement applications for four Amesbury Public Schools employees, an account transfer of $93,504.44 to the Essex Regional Retirement System, and an annual reimbursement of $33,578.40 to the Andover Retirement Board for Martine Fabre. Outcomes are not confirmed.

Planning Board

The June 22 agenda scheduled continued public hearings on site plans and special permits for 30 Lake Attitash Road, 84 Congress Street, 29 Water Street, and 9 & 9RR Oakland Street. A new public hearing was set for a site plan and special permit for an accessory dwelling unit at 12 Oak Street. The board also planned to consider an ANR plan for 8 Noel Street.

Other recent meetings

• **Trustees of War Memorials** (June 22): Routine business only — minutes approval, financials, membership updates, and maintenance needs. No major decisions scheduled.
• **Community Preservation Committee** (June 24): Scheduled to review draft sections of the Community Preservation Plan and approve minutes from May 27, 2026.
• **Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee** (June 24): Discussed a draft Invasive Plant Management Plan sent to the Conservation Commission, a Draft Trail Management and Stewardship Plan, mowing for grassland birds at Battis Farm, an Invasives Demonstration Project, park benches, and the All Persons Trail.
• **Council on Aging Board** (June 25): Received updates on the Costello Center, programming, and reports from the secretary, interim treasurer, and director.
• **Cultural Council Subcommittee** (June 30): Reviewed grant expenses, rental collections, and discussed a community closet exchange and photography exhibit.

Coming up

• **Conservation Commission — tonight, July 6:** Continued hearing on NOI 002-1362 for the Rocky Hill multifamily development at 265-287.5 Elm Street; new hearing on NOI 002-1365 for Pulte Homes multi-family at 28 Haverhill Road; new hearing on an ADU at 3 Old Merrill Street; a Certificate of Compliance request for 28 Lake Attitash Road; and an administrative enforcement order regarding Lions Mouth Road paving by the City of Amesbury.
• **Amesbury Housing Authority — July 7:** Scheduled votes on lowest bidders for ARPA-funded exterior concrete bulkheads (Project #007099) and a sustainable heating system at 30 Field Street (Project #007135), plus renewal of annual plumbing, electrical, and flooring maintenance contracts.
• **Design Review Committee — July 7:** Sign requests for 135 Main Street (Main Street Congregational Church) and 26 Friend Street (The Barnes Team), plus an ADU application at 12 Oak Street.
• **Cultural Council — July 8:** Votes scheduled on $500 for rack cards, $4,000 for Open Studios marketing, and $2,000 for contracting musicians.
• **Technical Review Committee — July 9:** Prospective project reviews for Leaf Water Farms at 83-91 Macy St. and a bathhouse at 6 Morrill St., plus the ADU application at 12 Oak Street.

Amesbury Meeting Roundup: Housing Plan, $1.2M Grant Top Agendas as Minutes Remain Unpublished

Several city boards met in late June, but official minutes had not been published by press time. Agendas show that the City Council was scheduled to take up a five-year housing plan and more than $1.2 million in grants, while the workforce board considered a reallocation of nearly $50,000 in job-training funds. Below is a summary of the items that appeared before local panels.

City Council

The council was expected to vote on adopting the 2024–2029 Housing Production Plan, a strategic document aimed at expanding affordable and diverse housing options. A separate vote on establishing a Solid Waste Enterprise Fund—which would facilitate new residential trash fees—was also on the agenda.

Grant items included $1,199,660 for restoration of the Washington Landing Boat Launch and a $10,000 award for football helmet covers at Amesbury High School. Public hearings were scheduled for flammable storage permits at 241–243 Main Street and 132 Elm Street.

Planning Board and Development

The Planning Board continued public hearings on site plans and special permits for 30 Lake Attitash Road (Water Resource Protection District), 84 Congress Street, and 29 Water Street. A new hearing opened for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at 12 Oak Street. The board also had an ANR plan for 8 Noel Street on its docket.

The Community Preservation Committee reviewed draft sections of its Community Preservation Plan, and the Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee discussed a draft Invasive Plant Management Plan sent to the Conservation Commission, a Trail Management and Stewardship Plan, and mowing for grassland birds at Battis Farm.

Workforce and Retirement

The MassHire Merrimack Valley Workforce Board planned to vote on transferring $48,571 from the adult to the dislocated worker program within its WIOA allocation, funding seven individual training accounts. Members were also set to approve recommendations for the WIOA Youth RFP program and accept the April quarterly minutes.

The Retirement Board intended to conduct a performance review for its administrator related to a 3 percent salary increase effective July 1, 2026, and authorize up to $500,000 in transfers from the PRIT fund for July retiree payroll. Four Amesbury Public Schools employees had retirement applications under review, and the board expected to transfer $93,504 to the Essex Regional Retirement System while reimbursing the Andover Retirement Board $33,578.40 annually for a shared employee.

Other Boards

The Trustees of War Memorials met for routine business covering membership and maintenance. The Council on Aging Board handled reports on the Costello Center and programming. The Cultural Council’s subcommittee reviewed grant expenses, rental collections, and discussed a community closet exchange and photography exhibit.

Coming up

The Conservation Commission will continue a hearing on the Rocky Hill multifamily development at 265–287.5 Elm Street and take up a new notice of intent for a Pulte Homes multi-family project at 28 Haverhill Road. Also on July 6: an ADU at 3 Old Merrill Street and an enforcement order for city paving on Lions Mouth Road.

On July 7, the Amesbury & Merrimac Housing Authority expects to award contracts for ARPA-funded concrete bulkheads and a sustainable heating system at 30 Field Street. The Design Review Committee will consider signs for Main Street Congregational Church and The Barnes Team, plus the 12 Oak Street ADU that is circulating to multiple panels.

The Cultural Council meets July 8 to vote on $4,000 for Open Studios marketing, $500 for rack cards, and $2,000 for musician contracts. The Technical Review Committee on July 9 will review Leaf Water Farms at 83–91 Macy Street and a bathhouse at 6 Morrill Street, along with the 12 Oak Street ADU.