Veterans Day Ceremonies

Due to the forecast of inclement weather, all Veterans Day activities will be moved inside at Amesbury Middle School.  The ceremony will be in the Performance Center and will begin at 10AM on Wednesday, November 11.  There will be no parade.

Feel free to contact Alyssa Premo at 978-388-8121 or premoa@amesburyma.gov with any questions.

Thanks!

Ken 

Great News for Amesbury

This afternoon, I was officially informed by the MA Department of Energy Resources (DOER) that Amesbury has been awarded another Green Communities energy grant in the amount of $225,865. See the letter below for more details.

I want to thank Community and Economic Development Director Bill Scott and Energy Manager Tom Barrasso for working diligently on this grant application, and I also want to thank our Energy Committee, the School Administration, the City Council, the School Committee, and the EEA and the DOER for collaborating with Mr. Scott and Mr. Barrasso along the way.

More details will come as the grant process moves forward.

Ken

Light the Falls

On Saturday, we celebrated the lighting of the Powwow River's falls in the Upper Millyard with a great event. The falls will now be illuminated every night thanks to an artistic lighting design.

The project was funded by a $50,000 Massachusetts Marketing Partnership (MMP) grant through the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) that was secured in the FY15 state budget by former State Representative Mike Costello. This is the same grant that also funded Amesbury's new welcome signs, and is funding the purchase and installation of a fountain at Heritage Park in the Lower Millyard. These three projects provide very visible returns on relatively modest investments, and they all contribute to the overall improvement of Amesbury's image.

I want to thank Amesbury's own Peter Cook at Stone Ridge Landscape & Design, Representative Costello, our supportive downtown restaurants and business community, and everyone who was involved in lighting the falls.

Below are some pictures from the event, and also some pictures from Stone Ridge Landscape & Design's website that show a behind the scenes look at the work that Peter and his team did to install the lighting array. You can see more pictures from the installation of the lighting at www.designsbystoneridge.com.

Enjoy the photos below, but the lighting can only be fully appreciated when seen in person. I hope you get a chance to see the falls lit at night if you haven't already.

Ken



Photo courtesy of Stone Ridge Landscape & Design

Photo courtesy of Stone Ridge Landscape & Design

Amesbury's Spray Park is now open

The new Spray Park at Amesbury Town Park opened this week, and it is already being put to great use by children from Amesbury and nearby communities. Take a look at today's article in the Newburyport Daily News: http://www.newburyportnews.com/news/local_news/making-a-splash/article_13549ee0-6742-5918-b4a6-f0fa5c5a39ab.html

Ken

Hotel Groundbreaking/Time Capsule Retrieval

Yesterday, I was excited to be joined by various community stakeholders and state officials in celebration of the groundbreaking of the planned Hampton Inn at 284 Elm Street in Amesbury. This is an example of the type of development that will, over the longer term, help to reduce the property tax burden that Amesbury's residents have felt for too long. While we still have a long way to go with respect to expanding Amesbury's commercial/industrial tax base, this $10.5 million private investment in our community is an important step in the right direction, and a breakthrough in the development of the Golden Triangle.

I want to thank everyone who made this project possible, and everybody who came out to yesterday's ceremony. I especially want to recognize our honored guests and speakers:

• City Council President Joe McMilleon
• State Representative Jim Kelcourse
• Deputy Secretary Carolyn Kirk, MA Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development
• Uday Patel, Vice President of Operations, Archgrove Hospitality
• Melissa Cerasuolo, Executive Director, Amesbury Chamber of Commerce
• Bill Scott, Director of Amesbury's Office of Community and Economic Development
• Dennis Marcello, District Director, Office of Senator Kathleen O'Connor Ives

Hampton Inn Groundbreaking Ceremony

 

 

 

Left to right: Ski Iworsky, Mayor Gray, PJ "Jancy" Jancewicz

This morning, I witnessed the retrieval of a 141-year-old time capsule from the Civil War Memorial in Union Cemetery that was originally dedicated in 1874. The time capsule will not be opened until a professional archivist can do so in a climate-controlled environment. I look forward to seeing what the capsule will reveal!

This effort was facilitated by Amesbury's Board of Trustees of War Memorials. The Board will be rededicating the same monument in late June. I want to thank them for their hard work as volunteers, and for their dedication to honoring Amesbury's veterans.

Ken

CIC Business Roundtable Discussion

Yesterday, we had a great conversation at the Chestnut Innovation Center's Business Roundtable! I am pictured below with Congressman Seth Moulton alongside CIC's Bob O'Brien, Roger Foster, and Mark Friery.

Thank you to the Chestnut Innovation Center and all who attended!

Ken

Trash/Recycling Collection

There has been some confusion this week related to trash pickup. As a consequence, we are in the process of reviewing our enforcement procedures related to trash and recycling collection.  If your trash was not picked up, please contact Laurie Pierce at 978-388-8116 or at Laurie@amesburyma.gov. It will be picked up.

Thank you for your patience.

Ken

State of the City

On Tuesday night, April 14, I will be giving my first State of the City address at 6:30 PM in the City Hall auditorium. I plan to review the progress we have made together since the beginning of last year, and outline the things we have planned for the future.

Please join us before the City Council meeting at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 in the City Hall auditorium.

Hope to see you there!

Ken

P.S. If you can't make it, Amesbury Community Television will be broadcasting my State of the City address live on Channel 12, and streaming live at amesburyctv.org.

Local Heroes Award Ceremony

I’d like to invite the community to attend our Local Heroes Award Ceremony this Thursday, April 9^th at 6:00PM in the City Hall Auditorium. The Local Heroes Award recognizes Amesbury residents who volunteered their time to go above and beyond to help their friends and neighbors get through the historical winter of 2015.  Please join us as we celebrate these extraordinary acts of kindness!

Ken

Congratulations to Carriagetown Robotics!

Over the weekend, Amesbury High School's rookie robotics team participated in the FIRST Robotics Competition at Reading High School. Carriagetown Robotics came home with the Highest Rookie Seed Award! Congratulations to the students and mentors who have worked very hard to earn this achievement!

Carriagetown Robotics will compete in their second competition March 20-22 at University of New Hampshire's Whittemore Center Arena.

Ken

Robotics Competition This Weekend

This weekend, students from Amesbury High School's Carriagetown Robotics team are participating in their first ever robotics competition at Reading High School. Amesbury resident and MIT graduate Mark Obremski and Amesbury High School teacher Mark Casto have spent the past few months leading the students of Carriagetown Robotics in their mission to build a robot to participate in these competitions.

Please show your support for our rookie robotics team by attending these two exciting events this weekend:

• Saturday, March 7, 10:30 AM: Opening Ceremonies
• Sunday, March 8, 9:00 AM: Opening Ceremonies

Both events will be hosted at Reading High School. I hope to see you there!

Ken

Local Heroes Nomination Deadline Approaching

Nominations for the Local Heroes Award are due by Friday, March 6, 2015 at 12 PM. Please submit your nomination via e-mail to nominations@amesburyma.gov.

The Local Heroes Award will be given to Amesbury residents in recognition of extraordinary volunteer service to their friends and neighbors in need throughout this historic winter. We have received plenty of nominations thus far, but we plan to give as many awards as possible. Please do not let these acts of kindness go unrecognized!

I look forward to reading more stories of selflessness in our community!

Ken

Local Heroes

In less than a month, a record amount of snow has fallen on Amesbury. With these snowfall totals, the capacities of our public works and public safety operations have been strained and tested intensely as employees of the DPW, Fire Department, and Police Department continue to work long hours to keep our City safe. 

However, City employees have not been the only ones working diligently to help others throughout these storms. This historic winter has revealed the best in many of our residents who have gone above and beyond as volunteers to help their friends, neighbors, and our community. In recognition of these extraordinary efforts, I am now accepting nominations for the Local Heroes Award, honoring Amesbury residents who have gone the extra mile in community service. If you know someone who deserves to be recognized for their efforts this winter, please tell me their story in an e-mail to nominations@amesburyma.gov.

This idea stemmed from conversations with several residents who have witnessed volunteer coordination efforts through email, city services, social media, and more. Thank you to those who have already come forward to share their ideas! I look forward to hearing more accounts of community service in Amesbury.

Ken

Good News for Heritage Park Project

Take a look at Jim Sullivan’s latest article in the Newburyport Daily News about our solution to the Heritage Park project, and the added benefit for one of Amesbury’s neighbors in the Merrimack Valley: http://www.newburyportnews.com/news/local_news/local-mayors-partner-on-city-projects/article_29dd9017-b1b3-5306-95b8-fef4ac7b1bc4.html 

Without this success, Amesbury would have lost approximately $1.9 million in funds, and the Heritage Park project would be in jeopardy. I am pleased that we were able to work collaboratively on this plan to solve two major problems in the region through a more effective and efficient allocation of resources.

Ken

Snow Emergency Declared

A Snow Emergency has been declared in Amesbury effective 8 PM on February 14 until February 15 at 8 PM. See the link at the bottom of this post for more details.

The MVRTA has also announced that service for Sunday, February 15 has been cancelled.

http://www.amesburyma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/mayor-gray-declares-snow-emergency-1

Trash and Recycling

Please see below a message that is posted on the homepage of the City website at www.amesburyma.gov:

G. Mello, the contractor responsible for Amesbury’s trash and recycling collection, has contacted the Mayor’s Office and apologized for the recent miscommunication regarding collection delays. G. Mello will have trucks out Friday, February 6, 2015 collecting in areas that did not receive collection in the last two weeks due to the weather. If G. Mello still deems any areas unsafe for their equipment and their employees, residents in those areas will be notified via a CodeRed automated phone call.

 

According to the City's contract with G. Mello, standard operating procedure for missed collections is for residents to hold all trash and recycling until the same day of the following week for collection on a regular schedule. However, given that multiple residents did not receive collection in two consecutive weeks, the Mayor's Office is asking G. Mello to put forth additional efforts. G. Mello has taken full responsibility for the confusion, and is operating on a regular schedule.

 

Any resident still experiencing delays after Friday, February 6, 2015 are encouraged to report issues to Mayor’s Aide Evan Kenney at kenneye@amesburyma.gov.

Snow and Ice

In less than two weeks, approximately 56.5 inches of snow has fallen on Amesbury. Our DPW crews and private contractors have worked up to 66 of the last 96 hours plowing, sanding, and removing snow in their best efforts to keep our roads as safe as possible. These are historic levels of snowfall. The DPW has removed hundreds of truckloads of snow from various City parking lots, and removed snow to the curb on Friend Street and Main Street to accommodate for parking for our downtown businesses. Unfortunately, back-to-back-to-back storms have hampered removal efforts and presented recurring parking problems.

 

We are well equipped to handle about 30” of snow.  In normal circumstances, within a few hours of when the storm ends, the snow is cleared, and the main streets and hills are treated.  We also have the capacity to clean up intersections, parking, lots and the downtown within a week with the equipment the DPW has combined with local contractors.  However, multiple snow storms interrupt this schedule and multiple large storms completely disrupt our ability to handle all the needs required.  Side streets do not get widened because the equipment needed to do so is in use trying to keep main streets intersections and parking lots opened.  

 

Crews will continue working day and night over the next two days to remove snow from essential places in the City. Specifically, the DPW will focus on the schools and the downtown cleanup. The following snow removal schedule is completely contingent upon the weather forecast:

 

·         Thursday Night: A minimal DPW crew will be removing snow from AHS and AMS. Since public safety needs to be first priority, the majority of the crew will be treating City roads to mitigate the threat that ice poses to traveling vehicles.

·         Friday – Day: The DPW will continue snow removal efforts in various municipal parking lots and intersections across the City.

·         Friday – Night: The DPW will focus on cleaning up the downtown sidewalks. This item has been delayed in the past week by multiple additional storms.

·         Saturday: The DPW will reset operations and begin preparation for yet another winter storm.

 

The latest weather reports for the upcoming storm project approximately 8-12 inches of snow falling over a span of 72 hours beginning Saturday afternoon and ending Tuesday morning.  This storm poses particular difficulties for the DPW’s already strained resources. After multiple 24 hour work days in the past two weeks, crews will have to work for most of the duration of this 72 hour storm as well. They will be exhausted, and they will continue to work as diligently and quickly as possible to keep our roads safe and remove snow from our downtown.

 

While business owners are legally responsible for the sidewalks that abut their property, the DPW always makes a courtesy effort to clear the downtown sidewalks to assist businesses. The DPW encourages business owners to do their best to keep these sidewalks clear and treated once the DPW has plowed them. Business owners and managers are also encouraged to ask employees to park in the Lower Millyard municipal parking lot in order to allow maximum parking for customers on Main Street and Friend Street.

 

I ask all residents to please exercise extreme caution when operating a motor vehicle. The banks are high, limiting visibility, and even streets that appear black pose serious risks drivers. Please drive slowly!

 

We are not alone in fighting the challenges we face. In Boston, Mayor Walsh has asked his constituents for “patience”, and has been unable to identify any definitive time tables for snow removal in the City. In Somerville, the City is fining residents up to $200 for failing to clear their abutting sidewalks.

 

Amesbury will not be fining anyone, and we have a snow removal plan that is well underway.

 

While we execute the plan, we ask for your patience and understanding and your appreciation of the long hours our DPW, police and firefighters are putting in to make sure we are all safe and sound.

 

If you have a particular issue, please let us know and we will strive to offer assistance. Here are some helpful phone numbers:

 

DPW (Monday – Friday 7 AM – 3 PM): 978-388-8116

Public Safety Non-Emergency Line (24 hours): 978-388-1212

 

If you need more information, or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 978-388-8121.

 

Thank you, and be safe!

 

Ken

School Community Forum Postponed

The Community Forum originally scheduled for 12:00 PM on January 31 at Amesbury High School has been postponed. The School Committee is working on rescheduling for a later date in February. We will let you know as soon as a new date has been confirmed.

Snow Emergency/State of Emergency

I have declared a Snow Emergency in the City of Amesbury effective from 7:00 PM on January 26 until 12:00 PM on January 28. All City facilities will be closed to the public beginning on January 26 at 5:00 PM, and will remain closed to the public on January 27 and January 28. Please see the press release at the bottom of this blog post for more information related to the Snow Emergency.

Governor Baker has declared a State of Emergency effective immediately, and a travel ban effective beginning at 12:00 AM on January 27 until 12:00 PM on January 28. For live updates from the Commonwealth, please visit: Mass.Gov Alerts

For a full description of the Governor's authority under a State of Emergency, click here: http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/mema/what-is-a-gubernatorial-state-of-emergency.html.

Latest storm-related updates:

• The Amesbury Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday, January 27 and Wednesday, January 28. This includes the cancellation of all evening school events on both dates.
• There will be no trash or recycling collection on Tuesday, January 27 or Wednesday, January 28. Residents scheduled for Tuesday or Wednesday collection are advised to hold all trash and recycling until Tuesday, February 3 or Wednesday, February 4. On February 3 and February 4, residents will be exempt from the garbage container limit, and will be allowed to place more than one garbage container out for collection.
• The MVRTA will be closed on Tuesday, January 27. For more information, please call 978-469-6878. The following services will not be provided:
• Fixed Route
• Boston Commuter Service
• E-Z Trans
• Ring/Ride
• Ring/Ride Rt. 28
• Boston/Peabody Medi-ride
• Verizon telecommunications customers can report any service-related issue by calling 1-800-837-4966 or visiting www.verizon.com/outage.
• National Grid customers can report power outages by calling 1-800-867-5222.

We will continue to update this blog post with new information regarding notices, cancellations, and adjustments related to public services as it becomes available. I would encourage residents to stay tuned to this blog post to see the latest information related to this storm's impact on city services.

Be safe!

Ken

FIRST Robotics Program at Amesbury High School

You can click here to read Jim Sullivan's article in today's edition of the Newburyport Daily News about the new FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics program at Amesbury High School.

I am very excited to bring this program to our schools, and I want to thank MIT engineer and Amesbury resident Mark Obremski, AHS teacher Mark Casto, and the school administration for working hard to help us get this STEM-based initiative started in Amesbury.

I also want to thank Dan Healey, Rick Bartley, and the Amesbury Chamber of Commerce for continuing to lend their support.

Good luck to the members of Carriagetown Robotics in their rookie year as contestants in the FIRST Robotics Competition!

Ken

House Fire in Amesbury

As many of you already know, there was a house fire on Tuesday evening in Amesbury. While our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this terrible event, we are also proud of the Amesbury Fire Department and the Amesbury Police Department for their quick response and control of the situation. Their efforts ensured that lives were not lost.



Shortly after news of the blaze broke, I was pleased to hear that many residents had already taken up the cause to help any victim in need. We’ve received many inquiries from residents asking how they can support any victims of this fire, so, below you will find a statement from the Pettengill House identifying the best ways to contribute to that cause.



In addition, I’d like to extend my gratitude to the public safety teams in Newburyport, Merrimac, Salisbury, West Newbury, Exeter, and Seabrook for their assistance fighting this fire. Thank you all for looking out for our community.



Ken



From the Pettengill House:



“The Pettengill House Inc. is now accepting monetary donations on behalf of the Amesbury family who were burned out of their home last night.  100% of all donations will be used to directly support the family.  Donations can be made out to The Pettengill House Inc.,  and sent to Pettengill Family Resource Center, 21 Water Street, Suite 4A, Amesbury, MA. 01913.  Donations can also be made through The Pettengill House Paypal Account on our website at www.pettengillhouse.org.  Please note: Amesbury Fire Victims Fund.  Donations are tax deductible.”