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Volunteers Sought to Serve on Newburyport Boards and Commissions

Posted on: February 14, 2023 - 2:13pm
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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 either current or anticipated openings for those interested in volunteering their time:

  • Board of Registrars
  • Board of Water/Sewer Commissioners
  • Historical Commission
  • Human Rights Commission
  • Open Space Committee
  • Parks Commission
  • Planning Board
  • Waterfront 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. 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 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 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

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. The Commission generally meets in the evening the second Thursday of the month. Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/human-rights-commission

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 towards 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 Planning Board is a nine-member board of volunteers appointed for five-year terms by the Mayor. Members must be residents of the City. Membership is based on experience or interest in the field of planning and zoning and whenever possible includes architects or landscape architects, engineers, Realtors or developers, affordable housing specialists, environmentalists, and attorneys. The Planning Board considers land subdivision and zoning proposals, Approval Not Required (ANR) applications, Site Plan Review applications, and proposed changes to elements of the City's master plan. The Board holds public hearings, as required, on these applications and makes recommendations to the City Council for its consideration and legislative action. The Board generally meets biweekly on the first and third Wednesday of the month at 7pm. Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/planning-board

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. The Trust generally meets in the evening on the third Wednesday of the month.Website: https://newburyportwaterfronttrust.org/