Ordinance and Administration Committee

By City Clerk at 8:22 am, Sep 15, 2022 City of Amesbury Office of the City Clerk 62 Friend St. Amesbury, MA 01913 MEETING NOTICE POSTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF M.G.L. CHAPTER 30A §§18-25 Version 7.1.10 City Council Ordinance & Administration Subcommittee Meeting Agenda September 19, 2022, at 7:00 PM City Hall Auditorium, 62 Friend Street. Roll Call Topics for Discussion: • Minutes for approval- June 27, 2022 • Public Comment 2022-059 An Order to create five (5) new, permanent fifteen (15) minute parking spaces throughout downtown Amesbury. -Mayor Sponsor Summary: In 2020, many businesses adapted to COVID restrictions by offering curb-side delivery. The City created nine (9) temporary parking spaces throughout downtown to help businesses deliver their products to customers curbside or allow customers to pick up their items quickly. After reaching out to the businesses, we heard back from five of them that the 15-minute space was helpful to their business and they would like it to be a permanent parking space. The five (5) new permanent parking spaces are proposed at:15 Friend Street, 36 Friend Street, 35 Friend Street, 25 Main Street, 40 Market Street. 2022-086 An Ordinance to amend the Amesbury Zoning Ordinance to allow restaurant use at marina facilities in the City of Amesbury. -Mayor Sponsor Summary: Communities along the Merrimack River are increasing their appreciation of this natural resource and exploring ways to increase access to the River for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike. One of the uses that Amesbury is exploring is allowing restaurants. In this proposed amendment, the restaurant use would only be allowed if it is connected to an active marina. The proposed ordinance seeks to amend certain provisions of the Amesbury Zoning Ordinance as follows: 1. Amend Section II by adding a definition of “Banquet Hall” 2. Amend Section V – Table of Use Regulations, by allowing restaurant use at active marina facilities by Special Permit from the Planning Board (S1) and Site Plan Review in the zoning districts where marinas are allowed and adding a new note after current note #14. 2022-110 An Ordinance to amend City Code, Chapter 400 Streets and Sidewalks, § 400-5, titled “Snow removal” and § 400-7, titled “Enforcement; violations and penalties.”- Councilors Frey & Wheeler Sponsor Summary: These revisions are intended to strengthen the City’s ability to enforce the regulations for clearing of sidewalks. The City’s budget is annually impacted by higher than anticipated snow removal costs. Consistent enforcement of City ordinances will ensure compliance with requirements and ensure DPW resources are available to more efficiently clear areas the department is responsible for. This ordinance to amend the City Code relative to snow removal will: 1. Revise language, specifying the removal of snow and the treatment of ice. 2. Create a procedure for a published municipal snow and ice plan. 3. Provide information about resources for snow removal- either paid or complimentary based on physical ability and financial hardship. 4. Increase the fines for failure to remove snow and ice within the defined time frame and add the Director of Inspectional Services and their agents to enforce this article. Informational purposes only: 2022-100 An Order to Conserve Certain City-Owned Properties on Cynthia Road. - Free Petition Summary: A measure to protect certain City-owned properties, in order to preserve open space and provide for passive recreational use that promotes the quality of life of Amesbury residents and for the preservation of natural resources, under the provisions of M.G.L. c. 40,§8C, as it may hereafter be amended; M.G.L c. 45, §3, as it may hereafter be amended; and Article 97 of the Amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution, as amended. Land would be placed under the care and custody of the Conservation Commission and would be reserved for conservation and passive recreation purposes. September 14, 2022