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 St., 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: Board of Sewer/Water Commission, Commission on Disability, Fruit Street Historic District Commission, Historical Commission, Licensing Board, Public Art Committee, and Whittier Tech School Committee representative.
The Board of Water/Sewer Commissioners assists with oversight for water and sewer business operations, budgets, policies and procedures, and customer service. The commission also assists in setting the water and sewer rates. The board consists of five full members and two alternates.
Meeting time: in the late afternoon of the last Wednesday of the month.
Website: cityofnewburyport.com/water-and-sewer-commission
The Commission on Disability works to advocate on disability-related issues, make recommendations and provide technical knowledge wherever needed to city departments, businesses and organizations throughout the community. The commission also has oversight of a revolving fund that can be used for initiatives that support their mission.
Meeting time: in the evening of the second Thursday of the month.
Website: cityofnewburyport.com/commission-on-disabilities
Fruit Street Historic District Commission: On Oct. 29, 2007, the City Council adopted an ordinance establishing 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.
Meeting time: in the evening of the third Thursday of the month.
Website: cityofnewburyport.com/fruit-street-historic-district-commission
Historical 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 relevant projects that may seek the advice of the commission. The commission, which is a volunteer board made up of 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.
Please note: The NHC is the official city board that provides the advisory opinions on historic properties.
Meeting time: in the evening of the second and fourth Thursday of the month.
Website: 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.
Meeting time: the evening of the first Wednesday of the month.
Website: cityofnewburyport.com/licensing-board
Public Art Committee: The Newburyport Public Art Committee is tasked with studying the city’s needs, possibilities and resources for public art. The committee was created with the city’s new Public Art Policy, which was passed in 2023. The committee will recommend potential locations and ideas for public art installations to the City Council and mayor as the city seeks to expand its collection of public art works. The committee will meet twice per year to hear proposals for public art and to review, discuss and vote on matters regarding the city’s public art collection. The committee is made up of seven members, including two members of the Newburyport Cultural Council, two residents, a local artist, a member of the Parks Commission, and a city staff member.
The seats for two local residents and a local artist remain unfilled, and the city is seeking nominations for those seats on the board. Terms will last three years.
Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School Committee: The Newburyport School Committee will be appointing a member to the Whittier Regional High School Committee to fill a full three-year term beginning April 1.
Interested applicants for the School Committee can send a resume and letter of interest to sc@newburyport.k12.ma.us.