District 3 Municipal Councilor Stephen Dunford said last week he plans to file two bills at the council's September meeting that will focus on alternate energy.
One measure, if passed, would form an energy commission to look at aspects such as helping residents navigate the process of putting up wind turbines or solar panels or using geothermal energy, Dunford said.
In an e-mail to the Municipal Council last week, former Councilor Alison Lindstrom urged the board to establish an energy committee.
The last Municipal Council unanimously voted to form two such committees during the last session, Lindstrom said, an Energy Resources Commission and a committee to study the use of biodiesel.
"Perhaps you didn't realize they exist since the mayor never opened the seats and they still do not appear on the list of committee vacancies," Lindstrom wrote. "It would seem more practical to use existing committees to start Amesbury down a green path and save the taxpayer money."
Lindstrom said she may attend the next council meeting to speak about the matter.
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The town may be advertising for a "senior planner," but that doesn't mean that Town Planner Nipun Jain is going anywhere.
Community and Economic Development Director Joe Fahey said last week that the town is upgrading Jain's position and its role and responsibilities have been modified, meaning the job needs to be advertised.
Jain is not planning on leaving town, however.
"It's really a readjustment of the office in some ways, in that regard," Fahey said. "(The position) has changed dramatically in responsibility."
Fahey said his office has received some resumes.
"I'll do the appropriate review," he said.
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There will be a fundraiser at Flatbread Co. in Market Square on Tuesday, Aug. 19, to benefit the Senior Center. A portion of proceeds from takeout and eat-in orders will go toward programs at the center.
The fundraiser will run from 5 to 9:30 p.m.
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During a brief Finance Committee meeting, followed by a brief Municipal Council meeting, councilors voted on two measures during a special summer meeting last week.
They approved a $7,500 grant from the Amesbury Healthcare Charitable Trust that will fund the CodeRED mass emergency notification system for one year, and the town will pay for it thereafter.
They also agreed to declare as surplus old furniture and equipment from Amesbury High School, making way for new desks, shelves and other items to be used in the new high school, which opens this fall.
Seven councilors attended. Absent from the meeting were council President Roger Benson and Councilor Joe McMilleon. Benson was not allowed to attend the meeting since he is acting mayor while Mayor Thatcher Kezer is away at military training. Kezer returns to work today.
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The summer reading program at the Amesbury Public Library will conclude Aug. 1. Through Wild Reads at Your Library, young readers will receive a reading log, instructions, bookmark, pencil and plastic book bag.
The program finishes with an ice cream party.
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The following meetings have been scheduled for this week. Check with the town clerk's office for last-minute changes:
Monday
Conservation Commission, 6:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium.
Katie Farrell covers Amesbury for The Daily News. She can be reached at 978- 462-6666, ext. 3232, or by e-mail at kfarrell@newburyportnews.com.
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