Volunteers Sought to Serve on Newburyport Boards and Commissions

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@cityofnewburyport.com 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 Mayor is also looking for community members interested in joining the Mayor’s Task Force on Mental Health, which will look for ways to support wellness for Newburyporters of all ages. The Commission will focus on researching and understanding the state of mental health in the City, educating and reaching out to residents, and providing programming and wellness initiatives. 

The following Boards and Commissions have openings for those interested in volunteering their time:

Board of Health
Board of Registrars
Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners
Conservation Commission
Historical Commission
Human Rights Commission
Open Space Committee
Tree Commission
Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA)

Board of Health In accordance with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts General Law-M.G.L. Chapter 41, the Board of Health is comprised of three (3) appointed officials by the Mayor of the City; these positions are three-year terms with one member being appointed annually. The role of the Board of Health is to oversee the City Health Department and the Director of Public Health. Pursuant to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 111, Section 31, The Board of Health may make reasonable rules and regulations to educate, promote, improve and protect the public health and wellbeing of the citizens of the City of Newburyport, while contributing to building a healthy community and environment in which to live.

Areas which fall under the purview of the City Health Department include disease and injury prevention, promoting and offering immunization clinics, responding to bacterial illnesses, monitoring disease outbreaks, providing health education & prevention programs, provide health advisories, promoting health & wellness, nutrition and fitness information, tobacco control programs, environmental protection, respond to health hazards, ensuring water quality, monitoring waste disposal, investigating noise & air pollution, animal health, health monitoring, enforcement and ensuring of health and safety codes, health care access, and emergency preparedness and response. Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/board-of-health

Board of Registrars is responsible for registering voters, conducting federal, state, and local elections, and compiling the annual List of Residents. Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/board-of-registrars

The Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners assist with oversight for water and sewer business operations, budgets, policies and procedures, and customer service. The Commission also works to study and determine the water and sewer rates. Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/water-and-sewer-commission  

The Newburyport Conservation Commission's primary function is to review project applications and make determinations pursuant to the Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. Ch 131 sec. 40) and the local Newburyport Wetlands Ordinance. Projects range in size from small additions located near wetlands or water bodies to large developments that may impact wetland resources. Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/conservation-commission

The mission of the Newburyport Historical Commission (NHC) is to protect, preserve and promote Newburyport’s historic structures, neighborhoods, and landscapes. The Historical Commission reviews applications subject to the Demolition Delay ordinance and any other projects occurring within the Newburyport Historical District that may seek the advice of the Commission. The Commission, which is a volunteer board made up of seven local residents, acts as a local advisory group to the Massachusetts Historical Commission for projects that require Section 106 or M.G.L. Chapter 254 review for historic preservation. Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/historical-commission

The 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. Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/human-rights-commission

The Open Space Committee was established in April 2001 as an advisory committee to the Mayor pursuant to the Master Plan. The OSC is charged generally with advocating for the protection of open space and specifically to monitor opportunities for open space acquisition. Open space is defined broadly to include natural resources and wildlife habitats, scenic landscapes, agricultural lands and working landscapes, recreation resources, public access water resources, and supplies and buffers to existing protected lands. Tasks involved in carrying out this charge include identifying and evaluating parcels, gaining knowledge about available tools and strategies for open space acquisition and protection, researching funding options, cultivating relationships with landowners, and crafting public education and outreach all in an effort to make timely and informed recommendations to the Mayor and organize campaigns for the protection of open spaces. Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/open-space-committee

The Newburyport Tree Commission was established to advance the City of Newburyport’s stewardship of trees and their ecology. 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. Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/tree-commission

The Zoning Board of Appeals considers petitions to develop property and provide relief, where appropriate, from literal application of State and local zoning laws. The ZBA must balance the property rights of the applicant and the interests of neighboring property owners and the City as a whole,
Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/zoning-board-of-appeals.