Mayor’s Update
June 28, 2021
MAYOR DONNA D. HOLADAY
FY22 Fiscal Year Budget
Thank you City Councilors, for your hard work on the budget and voting on its approval at last week’s special meeting. I appreciate the due diligence of the council and recognize the significant time commitment you devoted to the budget workshops and review. I am very grateful for the unanimous vote this year.
Newburyport – 5 Year Re-Certification for Designation as a Coast Guard City.
We are submitting a package to Washington DC this week for the re-certification of Newburyport as a designated Coast Guard city. The package tells a story of a city committed to engaging with and supporting the Coast Guard. It is hard to believe that another five years has gone by, and that this year marks a decade since our original designation. Much has been accomplished over the past ten years. It is my hope we will gather to celebrate this past decade with the Coast Guard as our trusted friend and partner who have worked so well with the people of Newburyport. The integration of their stewardship, safety and security expertise has saved many lives and provided a sanctuary for our region. The designation as a Coast Guard City signifies our enduring bond with the Coast Guard and is something that will mark our public service together well into the future.
On Friday, July 2nd, I will be attending the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Boston Change of Command Ceremony where CAPT Eric J. Doucette will be relieved by CAPT Kailie J. Benson.
City Bulkhead: We signed a contract today with GEI to complete the site inspection, regulatory approvals, final design and bid documents for Phase II work on the central waterfront bulkhead. The $39,920 is allocated from remaining funds from Phase I.
Juneteenth Day
The city held an inaugural celebration of Juneteenth Day, Friday June 18th at City Hall, marking the announcement of the Emancipation Proclamation and the end of slavery in Confederate states. In 2020 Gov. Charlie Baker signed into law June 19 as a state holiday, and is now considered a federal holiday. It was a wonderful ceremony for all who attended. Speakers included: Edward Carson, the Dean of Multicultural Education at Governor’s Academy speak, Reverend Rebecca Bryan of First Religious Society Unitarian Universalist and Reverend Jarred Mercer of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Newburyport, offered prayers and students from the high school read a very powerful poem. A Juneteenth flag was raised in honor of this day on a new flag pole installed at City Hall.
The Newburyport Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Alliance
The alliance has held two in its series of three community dialogues. The last one is scheduled for tomorrow night. The purpose of the dialogues is to create a safe space where all voices can be heard, and perspectives can be shared. The Alliance contracted with Essential Partners to help facilitate these dialogues. The dialogues had been very positive, and we plan to seek more community participation in the future. The goal is to have members of the Human Rights Commission and Alliance become facilitators so that we can continue with this forum to promote constructive dialogue and discussion around sometimes difficult and polarizing topics.
Schools:
Massachusetts School Building Authority: The city submitted Newburyport’s Statement of Interest (SOI) for Newburyport High School’s roof repair and new science labs.
New Central Office Hires: Long term employees Angela Bik, Assistant Superintendent and Nancy Lysik, Human Resource & Finance Manager are retiring this month; I would like to acknowledge their dedication and commitment to our school district and wish them the very best as they enter this next chapter of their lives. The School Committee unanimously approved the hires of Philip Littehale, Business Manager and Lisa Marie Ippolito, Assistant Superintendent who will join central administration next month.
Parks Field Office at 50 Parker Street and Continuation of Low Street: Neighborhood and City Services is reviewing the potential site for a home for our Parks Department. KP Law has reviewed the extensive lease and the committee is reviewing commercial comps and other costs associated with the site.
We also had an interesting call with the Attorney for the National Guard who has granted us permission to conduct the borings and air quality testing at 57 Low St. This could lead to a lease agreement with National Guard or opportunity to re-visit ownership of the site.
Phillips Drive Neighborhood Loan Order: We have all been very actively involved in the complex issues confronting the Phillips Dr. neighborhood. Comprehensive plans from BSC are available at DPS if any Councilors have additional questions regarding the proposed plans. We would like to put the project out to bid next month and I strongly encourage your support. This neighborhood has suffered with drainage issues, flooding in yards/homes, old and inadequate infrastructure and poor-quality roads for decades. We need to finally address these issues.
Merrimac St. Line Striping: Striping begins Wed. 6/30 at 10 am from the roundabout heading towards Broad St. 250 homes received flyers today and all side roads will be blocked with large DPS vehicles to prevent driving over the newly pained lines.
Merrimack River Dredge: Army Corps of Engineers permitting approval process ran into a problem with the Corps real estate regulations that requires that interests needed for the project coming from parties other than the sponsor must be easements. DCR however cannot accept an easement from the City without the approval of the legislature due to Article 97 of the state constitution, something that would likely take months when we have mere weeks. However, with the City joining DCR as a Sponsors and jointly signing the partnership agreement, this hopefully will allow a waiver from HQ and the Corps could accept a Right of Entry. The City has been working closely with KP Law on review of all the documentation and requirements. Our goal is to keep the process on track for a late fall dredge.
Matt Coogan – New Town Administrator of Boxford, Massachusetts
It is hard for me to make this announcement, but I am pleased to inform you that Matt Coogan has landed the Town Administrator position for the town of Boxford. Appointed by the Board of Selectmen, the Town Administrator’s job is to implement and manage all policies, programs and procedures that have been implemented by the Board. Additionally, the Town Administrator is responsible for budget preparation, hiring personnel, negotiating labor contracts, and serves as the chief procurement officer. Matt has been with our city for nearly three years and has contributed greatly in his role as Chief of Staff. I have no doubt he will shine in his new role. Let us all take a moment to congratulate Matt, and wish him the best of luck for the future. Matt will be with us until the end of July. I will be in touch soon with more communications on an interim staffing plan.
Wishing everyone a safe and Happy 4th of July!