Volunteers Needed for Newburyport's 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 by the City Council.
The following Boards and Commissions have openings for those interested in volunteering their time:
Board of Registrars
Commission on Disability
The Community Preservation Act Committee
Council on Aging (2)
Conservation Commission
Cultural Council
Historical Commission (2)
Licensing Board
Open Space Commission (7)
Parks Commission
Tree Commission (2)
Trust Fund Commission
Water/Sewer Commission
The Waterfront Trust
Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA)
More information about each of the Boards and Commissions with vacancies is below.
The 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 Commission on Disability works to advocate on disability-related issues, make recommendations and provide technical knowledge where needed, to City departments, businesses, and organizations throughout the community.
Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/commission-on-disabilities
The Community Preservation Act Committee is charged with studying the City's needs, possibilities, and resources with respect to the Community Preservation Act funds. The Committee is also responsible for determining the allocation of these annual funds.
Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/community-preservation-committee.
The mission of The Newburyport Council on Aging is to advocate for older adults, to identify their needs, to develop and implement services and programs to meet their health, economic, social, and cultural needs, to encourage maximum independence, and to improve their quality of life. Board members assist greatly in this effort.
Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/council-on-aging.
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 Newburyport Cultural Council: The Cultural Council’s purpose is to distribute the funding made available to the city by the State of Massachusetts by way of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Members read, discuss, and vote on all submitted applications. They seek to support both established and new cultural organizations, large and small, in order to enhance the already rich cultural environment of Newburyport.
Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/cultural-council
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 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 Licensing Board approves all retail alcohol, common victualler, entertainment, one-day alcohol, lodging and B&B, and transient vendor licenses.
Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/licensing-board
The Newburyport 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 Parks Commission was established to serve the residents of the City and other park users through the establishment and implementation of plans for the maintenance, expansion, and betterment of the open spaces, parks, and recreational facilities over which the Commission has jurisdiction. The Commission serves to monitor and officially act on issues affecting the use and management of facilities in a manner that provides the most optimal facilities for the residents of Newburyport and other users. The Commission engages the public in a democratic manner to allow for a continuous dialog toward meeting the intent of the mission statement and marshal the resources within its powers to address the needs of the community.
Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/parks-commission
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.
Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/tree-commission
Water/Sewer Commission The commission assists with oversight for water and sewer business operations, budgets, policies, and customer service. It also makes recommendations on water and sewer rates.
Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/water-and-sewer-commission
The Newburyport Trust Fund Commission was established in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 41, section 45. Any city or town, except Boston, may create a board of commissioners of trust funds, consisting of three persons who shall have the management of all trust funds given or bequeathed for the benefit of the town or the inhabitants thereof, unless the donor in making the gift or bequest shall otherwise provide. Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/trust-fund-commission
The Waterfront Trust manages Waterfront Park, the vibrant 4.4-acre park in the center of Newburyport’s downtown waterfront. The Trust is administered by five Trustees appointed by the Mayor of Newburyport with the approval of the City Council. Trustees can serve a maximum of two, five-year terms. Under the Declaration of Trust, the Trustees have absolute control of the Trust property subject to certain restrictions, including the duty to keep the public ways and Boardwalk “open” for the benefit of the general public.
Website: https://newburyportwaterfronttrust.org/
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.