Ordinance and Administration Committee

By City Clerk at 1:48 pm, Oct 17, 2023 City of Amesbury Office of the City Clerk 62 Friend St. Amesbury, MA 01913 City Council Ordinance & Administration Subcommittee Meeting Minutes September 18, 2023, at 7:00 PM City Hall Auditorium- 62 Friend St. Chairman Frey called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM Roll was called and present were: Councilors Frey, Lennon, Rinaldi, Attorney Johnson and Attorney Raffa. Also present were Ann Marie Casey and Chief Craig Bailey Approval of Minutes- June 15, 2023 & June 21, 2023 • Councilor Rinaldi made a motion to approve both sets of minutes together. The motion was seconded by Councilor Lennon. The motion passed 2-0-1, with Councilor Lennon abstaining. Topics for Discussion- 2023-029 An Ordinance to define and implement civil enforcement procedures for public marijuana (cannabis) consumption. – Mayor, Councilors Stanganelli, Rinaldi, & Deschenes Sponsor • Ann Marie Casey read an email received from the District Attorney’s office regarding public marijuana consumption. The email emphasized the difficulty of policing the public consumption of marijuana edibles and THC “vape” cartridges. • Councilor Lennon voiced her support for removing marijuana edibles and vape cartridges from the bill, citing the unenforceability of the items. • Councilor Frey stated that they could remove “THC” language from the bill, so it would prohibit any smoking in public spaces. • Councilor Rinaldi voiced his opposition to the removal of “THC” language from the bill, believing that it would unfairly target tobacco smokers. • Councilor Rinaldi moved to continue discussion at the Ordinance & Administration meeting on October 16, 2023. The motion was seconded by Councilor Lennon. The motion passes unanimously (3-0) 2023-037 An Ordinance to adopt a Schedule of Fees for the Harbormaster’s Office, which is a function of the Amesbury Police Department. -Mayor Sponsor • Police Chief Craig Bailey summarized the changes to the structure of the Harbormaster’s Office program. • Councilor Lennon voiced her belief that the Harbormaster would need to be supported by a board due to the inherent difficulty of many of the decisions the job entails, as well as the Harbormaster’s status as a part-time city employee.  • Councilor Lennon made a motion to return 2023-037 to the full City Council at their next meeting on September 26, 2023 with no recommendation. The motion was seconded by Councilor Rinaldi. The motion passes unanimously (3-0). 2023-065 -An Ordinance to Amend the Amesbury Zoning Ordinances to Extend the Retail Marijuana Overlay District to the Central Business and Central Industrial Districts of the City. - Councilor Stanganelli, Councilor Rinaldi, Councilor Deschenes, Councilor Hogg, and Mayor Gove Sponsors • Councilor Rinaldi spoke in favor of the bill, briefly summarizing its contents. • Councilor Lennon suggested that the bill include a separability clause or some kind of forced review any time the districts are re-zoned. • Councilor Lennon made a motion to continue discussion at the next Ordinance & Administration meeting on October 16, 2023. The motion was seconded by Councilor Rinaldi. The motion passed unanimously (3-0). 2023-066 - An Ordinance to Amend the Amesbury Zoning Ordinances to Adopt a Limit on the Number of Retail Licenses to be Issued. - Councilor Stanganelli, Councilor Rinaldi, Councilor Deschenes, and Councilor Hogg Sponsors • Councilor Lennon briefly summarized the proposed amendment and how it differs from what is already in place and the limit that the state has set. • Councilor Lennon made a motion to continue discussion at the next Ordinance & Administration Meeting on October 16, 2023. The motion was seconded by Councilor Rinaldi. The motion passed unanimously (3-0). 2023-084 - An Ordinance updating the Motor Vehicle Excise Warrant Fee for the Treasurer/Collector Department and amending the Schedule of Fees. – Mayor Sponsor • Ann Marie Casey summarized the proposed bill, stating that it is correcting an oversight related to excise fees exceeding $10. • Councilor Rinaldi made a motion to advance 2023-084 to the full City Council at their next meeting on September 26, 2023, with a positive recommendation. The motion was seconded by Councilor Lennon. The motion passes unanimously (3- 0). Councilor Lennon made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:56 PM. The motion was seconded by Councilor Rinaldi. The motion passed unanimously (3-0). Respectfully Submitted, Jess Manning September 19, 2023