Volunteers Sought to Serve on Newburyport Boards/Commissions
December 1, 2025December 1, 2025
Volunteers Sought to Serve on Newburyport Boards/Commissions
Update:The City is also in need of two alternate members to the Board of Water/Sewer Commission. The Board of Water/Sewer Commission 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. https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/water-and-sewer-commission
Newburyport—Mayor Sean R. Reardon is accepting applications from residents interested in serving on Newburyport’s Boards and Commissions. Interested applicants may send a letter of interest and resume to Christine Jackson, Executive Assistant to the Mayor, by email at cjackson@newburyportma.gov 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:
Commission on Disabilities
Conservation Commission
Fruit Street Local Historic District Study Committee
Library Board of Directors
Parks Commission
Public Art Committee
Trust Fund Commission
Zoning Board of Appeals
The Newburyport Commission on Disabilities works to advocate on disability-related issues, make recommendations and provide technical knowledge where needed to City departments, businesses, and organizations throughout the community. The Commission generally meets in the evening the second Thursday of the month. Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/commission-on-disabilities
The Conservation Commission’s primary function is to review project applications and make determinations pursuant to the Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. Ch 131 sec. 40) and the local Newburyport Wetlands Ordinance. Projects range in size from small additions located near wetlands or water bodies to large developments that may impact wetland resources. The Commission meets in the evening on the first and third Tuesday of the month. Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/conservation-commission
Fruit Street Local Historic District Study Committee: On October 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. It generally meets in the evening on the third Thursday of the month. Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/fruit-street-historic-district-commission
Library Board of Directors The Newburyport Public Library is governed by a 12 member Board of Directors. The Mayor is the Chairman ex–officio, the President of the City Council is an ex-officio member, there are three trustees of the Building Fund who are self–perpetuating members of the Board, seven board members are appointed for seven-year terms, and the Head Librarian is Secretary to the Board. https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/library-board-of-directors
The Newburyport Parks Commission was established in 1996 under Mayor Mead. Commissioners are appointed by the mayor to serve five-year terms. The 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. The Commission generally meets on the third Thursday evening of the month. Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/parks
The Newburyport Public Art Committee was established in 2023 under Mayor Sean Reardon. Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor to serve three-year terms. The PAC supports the commissioning, review, selection, acceptance, and care of art in public places. They aim to raise public awareness of the impact of public art and its cultural and economic contributions while establishing a diverse collection of public art that engages the community and encourages dialogue around public art. They also aim to identify and promote funding mechanisms to support public art, including grants, donations and specially designated funds. The end result of their efforts will provide a legacy of art and culture for future generations. https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/home/public-art-committee
The Newburyport Trust Fund Commission was established in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 41, section 45. Any city or town, except Boston, may create a board of commissioners of trust funds, consisting of three persons who shall have the management of all trust funds given or bequeathed for the benefit of the town or the inhabitants thereof, unless the donor in making the gift or bequest shall otherwise provide. Website: https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/trust-fund-commission
The Zoning Board of Appeals’ role and responsibility consists of providing relief, where appropriate, from literal application of the black letter law of the City’s Zoning Ordinance. The ZBA constantly deals with a continuous tension between the property rights of the applicant, the interests of neighboring property owners, and its city as a whole. Members of the ZBA have to have a clear comprehension of the reasonable limitations on the ZBA’s broad authority under the Ordinance while understanding the equity component of the ZBA’s role. While an independent board, the ZBA works closely with the Planning Office, the Planning Director and the Planning Board. ZBA members need to be able to apply the Boards’ discretion in a measured manner without allowing personal preferences or beliefs to interfere with the even application of the ZBA’s powers. https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/zoning-board-of-appeals
