Volunteers Sought to Serve on Newburyport Boards and Commissions
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@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 following Boards and Commissions have openings for those interested in volunteering their time:
Affordable Housing Trust
Board of Registrars
Board of Water/Sewer Commissioners
The Community Preservation Act Committee
Council on Aging Board (2)
Historical Commission
Human Rights Commission (2)
Tree Commission
The mission of the Newburyport Affordable Housing Trust is to support, preserve, and create housing that is affordable to low- and moderate-income households in the City of Newburyport. The Trust works with developers to increase the City's supply of units that are reserved for people who are of low to median income, who might not otherwise be able to afford housing in Newburyport. The Trust also has oversight over programs to assist with rent payment and home repair for low-income residents. The Trust generally meets once a month in the evening. Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/affordable-housing-trust
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. Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/board-of-registrars
The Board of Water/Sewer Commissioners assists with oversight for water and sewer business operations, budgets, policies and procedures, and customer service. The Commission assists in setting the water and sewer rates. They generally meet once a month in the late afternoon. Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/water-and-sewer-commission
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. This Committee meets 4-5 times, usually once a month in the evening, throughout the spring budget cycle to learn about and decide on projects, as well as once in the fall. The Committee is largely comprised of ex officio members from other relevant committees, but also includes at large members. 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. The Board meets once a month, generally in the morning.Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/council-on-aging
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. The Commission’s standing meetings are the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 7pm. Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/historical-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. The Commission generally meets in the evening the second Thursday of the month. Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/human-rights-commission
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. The Commission typically meets the second Thursday of each month in the evening.Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/tree-commission