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Council and residents remember Councilor Jim Macaulay at Newburyport meeting
Summary
The council opened with a tribute and moment of silence for the recently deceased Councilor Jim Macaulay; multiple councilors, former colleagues and residents spoke about his dedication to Ward 5, constituent service and local preservation work.
The Newburyport City Council opened its meeting with a tribute to Councilor Jim Macaulay, who died unexpectedly last week. Council leaders asked for a moment of silence and several members and residents recalled Macaulay's years of service to Ward 5 and his work on local issues.
Council President opened the meeting saying the council must "honor the passing of our colleague and friend Jim Macaulay" and described his dedication to safer bike paths, crosswalks and parks maintenance. Multiple speakers emphasized both his rigorous approach to debate and his commitment to constituent service.
During the public-comment period, dozens of residents and colleagues recalled personal stories and praised Macaulay's volunteerism and preparedness. "He was always asking questions and he was keenly aware of what was going on in the city," one councilor said in the tribute.
Several former colleagues and members of the preservation community described how Macaulay's efforts shaped local preservation work and neighborhood projects. The mayor announced flags would be lowered to half-staff for the month as an additional mark of respect. The meeting then moved to routine business after the moment of silence.
The council and many residents closed their remarks by extending condolences to Macaulay's family and urging the community to remember his public service.
