Newburyport—Mayor Sean R. Reardon is accepting applications from residents interested in serving on Newburyport’s Boards and Commissions. Interested applicants can send a letter of interest and resume to Christine Jackson, Executive Assistant to the Mayor, by email at cjackson@newburyportma.gov or mail at Mayor’s Office, City Hall, 60 Pleasant Street, Newburyport, MA 01950. All appointments are voluntary and unpaid positions, and require the appointment of the Mayor and approval of the City Council.
The following Boards and Commissions have openings for those interested in volunteering their time:
Board of Registrars
Conservation Commission
Commission on Disability
Cultural Council
Energy Advisory Committee
Fruit Street Local Historic District Study Committee
Human Rights Commission
Licensing Board
Resiliency Committee
Tree Commission
The Board of Registrars is responsible for registering voters, conducting federal, state, and local elections, and compiling the annual List of Residents. The Board works closely with the City Clerk to complete these activities. In order to comply with state law on composition of this board, this position is for a registered Democrat. Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/board-of-registrars
The Newburyport Conservation Commission's primary function is to review project applications and make determinations pursuant to theWetlands Protection Act(M.G.L. Ch 131 sec. 40) and the localNewburyport Wetlands Ordinance. Projects range in size from small additions located near wetlands or water bodies to large developments that may impact wetland resources. The Commission generally meets the first and third Tuesday of the month remotely in the evenings. Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/conservation-commission
The Commission on Disabilities works to advocate on disability-related issues, make recommendations and provide technical knowledge where needed, to City departments, businesses and organizations throughout the community.The Commission also has oversight over a Revolving Fund that can be used for initiatives that support their mission. They generally meet the second Thursday of the month remotely in the evening. Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/commission-on-disabilities
The Newburyport Cultural Council promotes the availability of rich cultural experiences for city residents and is dedicated to strengthening the cultural ecosystem in Newburyport across all sectors and neighborhoods. The Council receives annual funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council through its Local Cultural Council (LCC) Program, which it then awards as grants to organizations across the city.
Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/cultural-council
The Newburyport Energy Advisory Committee (EAC), established in 2006, studies, evaluates, and makes recommendations to the Mayor regarding energy conservation, energy efficiency, and/or conversion to greener energy sources. The EAC assists the Mayor by identifying policy implications and cost savings derived from potential energy conservation, and by investigating sustainable development measures and guidelines for local businesses and homeowners. This role is consistent with an August 14, 2006 resolution passed by the City Council supporting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The EAC generally meets in the evening on a Thursday once a month. Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/recycling-energy-sustainability/energy-advisory-committee
Fruit Street Historic District Commission: On October 29, 2007, the City Council adopted anordinanceestablishing the Fruit Street Historic District, Newburyport’s first local historic district. This Commission is tasked with compliance with the local ordinances outlined by this district and considers any variances or other policy decisions that are requested by residents. It generally meets in the evening on the third Thursday of the month. Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/fruit-street-historic-district-commission
Human Rights Commission works to promote and support a sense of welcome and inclusion for all residents within greater Newburyport. The Commission collaborates with other groups and organizations to promote and uphold the human rights of all persons in Newburyport and the free exercise and enjoyment of any rights and privileges secured by the Constitutions and laws of the United States and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.Typically, the HRC meets on one Thursday evening per month. Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/human-rights-commission
The Licensing Board approves all retail alcohol, common victualler, entertainment, one day alcohol, lodging and B&B, and transient vendor licenses. The Board typically meets the first Wednesday of every month in the evening. Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/licensing-board
The Resiliency Committee is an advisory body to the Mayor and is composed of volunteers and city staff. Committee meetings are open to the public and minutes are posted. Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month or as determined by the chair. Currently, the meetings are from 3-4:30 pm, on the 2nd floor of city hall and via Zoom. Agendas and the Zoom link are posted on the city’s website. The committee, in conjunction with regional planning efforts, developed the Newburyport Resiliency Plan (2020) to increase community resilience related to impacts of climate change including sea level rise, storm surge, flooding and extreme weather events throughout the City. The committee is now focused on advocating for and overseeing implementation of the plan’s recommendations. The Committee usually meets one Wednesday afternoon a month. Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/resiliency
The Newburyport Tree Commission was established to advance the City of Newburyport’s stewardship of trees and their ecology the City hereby establishes a Tree Commission to aid in carrying out the provisions of this ordinance. The mission of the Commission is to select, plant, protect, maintain, plan for and increase the health, beauty, quantity, diversity and vitality of Newburyport’s trees.The Commission generally meets the second Thursday of the month in the evening.Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/tree-commission
