MAYOR’S UDATE
January 9th, 2017
I hope all had a wonderful holiday season and I look forward to our continued work together in 2017.
Council Election of President: Congratulations to Council President O’Brien for his re-election as City Council President.
6th District Federal Economic Development Forum: On Dec. 13th, 2016, Congressman Moulton invited senior representatives from federal agencies to Peabody City Hall to meet with Essex County Mayors to learn about federal resources to support efforts in these areas: Small Business Assistance, Transportation and Housing Issues, Coastal Resiliency and Technology Innovation.
The agencies present included:
US Department of Energy
US Economic Development Administration
US Department of Labor
US Department of Agriculture
US Department of Housing & Urban Development
US Treasury CDFI
US Small Business Administration/SBIR
US Department of Transportation
US Department of Health & Human Services
US Commercial Service
US Environmental Protection Agency
US General Services Administration
US Department of Commerce NOAA
The event was well attended by local officials, planners and others. Jason Denoncourt, Economic Development Director for Congressman Moulton, will be following up with additional outreach to communities on potential grant programs and initiatives.
New Resident Forum: A new resident forum was held on December 14th at the Senior Community Center and was attended by close to 40 people. Attendees were treated to an excellent slide presentation on the History of our Urban Renewal by Ghlee Woodworth and then received updates on services and programs from Department Heads as well as comments on the city and constituent services from City Council President O’Brien and Councilor Cronin. The feedback from the residents in attendance was very positive and we will run another in the late spring.
Plum Island Shellfish Purification Plant: The Department of Energy Resources, Department of Fish and Game and the Division of Capital Asset Maintenance and Management held an event at the plant on December 16th to highlight the energy upgrades. The plant is a vital component for economic development for the shellfish industry.
Community Compacts: Lt. Governor Polito reconvened the municipal focus group on December 20th to discuss the status of the Community Compacts across the commonwealth. There are 245 signed compacts with a focus on best practice in finance, housing/economics, technology, regional initiatives, energy/environment and transportation. We hope to hold a spring conference with municipalities presenting their best practices.
Projects
Intermodal Facility/Garage: We are finalizing contract negotiations for a new Owners Project Manager (OPM) who would assist in reaching 100% design of the facility. The Purchase & Sale agreement for the land is moving forward and we appreciate the City Councilors’ input and recommendations. The 30% design slide presentation is posted with the corresponding traffic study required at 30%. A new Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) is awaiting Federal Transportation’s review of the 30% design submission as there are components the FTA may need to add/modify to the MOA. The MOA will detail the relationship between the City and MVRTA including operations, subcontracts, revenues, maintenance and more.
Newburyport High School Roof: Tonight the City Council is being requested to vote for the approval of the Statement of Interest (SOI), the required document to be submitted to the MA School Building Authority in order for the City to be considered for their school repair program. The School Committee will take the vote on January 17th.
Safe Routes to School: A community group led by Juliet Walker and Gary Gorski has been instrumental in advancing our interest in SRTS; MADOT has completed the preliminary assessment and we hope to begin design work with the SRTS program to increase students’ safety in walking and biking to school. We have accepted the preliminary assessment and will provide further updates on the process to move forward to design. The SRTS is a federally funded program administered by MADOT. Additionally, we are continuing to work with MADOT SRTS representative Tim Pettus to advance initiatives that are possible prior to design work. Councilor Larry Giunta has been involved in school access routes and safety and has agreed to participate in these meetings.
Harbormaster Facility: Substantial completion is anticipated next week and work will begin on the final punch list. Geordie Vining has served as the Senior Project Manager for the City and oversaw the management of this project; he did an exemplary job with the assistance of Paul Hogg and our Harbor Commissioners.
Affordable Housing Lottery: Newburyport Landing, formerly known as the Towle Redevelopment Project, includes the construction of 15 residential condominium ownership units, two of which are affordable – Units 1 and 5. The two condominiums are offered through a lottery at $194,800 for the 2-bedroom unit and $217,000 for the 3-bedroom unit. Condo fees are $98/month for the 2BR unit and $105/month for the 3BR unit. These units will be sold to qualifying applicants with income at or below 80% of the area median income. The application deadline is Jan. 21, 2017. More information can be found online on the City’s website or in the Planning Office.
Ad hoc Waterfront Committee: Due to a scheduling conflict, the next meeting has been moved to Feb. 7th from 7-8:30 pm in City Hall Auditorium. We anticipate reviewing the draft changes to the Waterfront Trust documents and discussion on the NRA park plan presented at the last meeting.
It is a challenge serving on one of the waterfront boards and I would like to thank Tom Salemi for his role on the NRA and his tenure as Chair. His term ended a few weeks ago.
Master Plan: Comments to the draft plan are due to Kate Newhall-Smith in the Planning Office by the end of January. Your input is very important as this document will guide the City for the next 10-15 years.
Tax Abatements: all property owners have until February 1st at 4 pm to submit an application to the Assessor’s Office for consideration for an abatement on property taxes. Seniors may also check with Roseann Robillard, Council on Aging Director, at the Senior Community Center if interested in participating in the Senior Tax Incentive program where eligible residents are able to work off $1,000 in taxes. No deadline to apply to this program.
Upcoming Events:
Attorney General Maura Healey will host a Town Hall Forum Tuesday night, January 10th at 7 pm in the auditorium. All are invited
Merrimac Valley Planning Commission Mayors & Managers Coalition will be finalizing the Merrimack Valley Region Marketing Project and will include a presentation of the final logo and tagline by our consultant, Brand One. We anticipate this regional grant will advance our strategic work in reaching new businesses and filling vacancies within municipalities.
Merrimac Valley Chamber is hosting the Annual Mayors and Managers’ Breakfast on Friday, January 13th at 7:15 am at the Andover Country Club.
Understanding the School & City Budget: On Saturday, January 28th from 9-12 at the Senior Community Center, the public is invited to come and learn how the school and city budgets are developed. Following a presentation on the budget process, School Committee members and City Councilors will co-facilitate small group discussions on priorities for the FY18 school budget. Please join us for this important forum and discussion.
State of the City: Mayor’s annual address on the State of the City will be held on February 8th at 7 pm at the Senior Community Center. The Chamber of Commerce is hosting a breakfast for the State of the City on Friday February 10th at 7:30 am at Nicholson Hall.
Wear Your Jeans “Fundraiser Fridays” at City Hall: In case you happen by City Hall on a Friday, you may notice City staff wearing jeans. We have implemented a program where staff is allowed to wear jeans on Friday in exchange for a $3.00 donation that will benefit Veterans’ programs.