On the agenda: Salem City Council Regular Meeting — surveillance camera (Feb 13)

1
City of Salem, Massachusetts
Office of the City Clerk
Ilene Simons
City Clerk

Room 1
City Hall

02/11/2025
MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA
The Salem City Council will hold its regular meeting in-person on Thursday, February 13,
2025, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers, 93 Washington Street, 2nd floor for the purpose
of discussing any and all business.
In-Person shall be the primary method of public access to such meetings. A secondary
method of public access may be provided, if technologically feasible through Salem Access
Television, and/or remotely through Zoom. See below for remote access and SATV
information.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82856069840?pwd=7G5oIFISWBDQr2jkVjVghxXX6bC0c7.1
Password: 694887
Go to the website link: https://zoom.us/join. Enter meeting/webinar ID# 828 5606
9840 followed by the meeting password above if directed to do so.
Or Telephone: Participants can dial a toll free number at 877-853-5257 (Toll Free) or 888475-4499 (Toll Free). When prompted, enter meeting/webinar ID#: 828 5606 9840 and
follow the instructions to join the meeting. For those dialing in, you may press *9 to raise
your hand to speak if signed up for public testimony or to participate in the public hearing
portion of the agenda (if applicable).
The public may also watch the meeting live on SATV on Channel 22.
Very truly yours,
ATTEST:

ILENE SIMONS
CITY CLERK

“When in person, individuals requiring auxiliary aids and services for effective
communication such as sign language interpreter, an assistive listening device, or print
material in digital format or a reasonable modification in programs, services, policies, or
activities, may contact the City of Salem ADA Coordinator at (978-619-5630) as soon as
possible and no less than 2 business days before the meeting, program, or
event.” Assistive Listening System is available for City Council Meetings. Those interested
in utilizing these devices for meetings at 93 Washington Street may contact the City Clerk’s
Office at 978-745-9595 ext. 41200 or [email protected].
“Know Your Rights Under the Open Meeting Law, M.G.L. c. 30A ss. 18-25, and
City Ordinance Sections 2-2028 through 2-2033.”

CITY OF SALEM
February 13, 2025
REGULAR MEETING
A Regular Meeting of the City Council was held in-person on Thursday, February 13, 2025
at 7:00 PM for the purpose of transacting any and all business.Notice of this meeting was
posted on February 11, 2025, at 1:08 PM. This meeting is being recorded and is live on
S.A.T.V. and Zoom unless technological issues interrupt the transmission.
Councilors absent:
Council President Prosniewski presided.
Councilor _________ moved to dispense with the reading of the record of the previous
meeting.
VOTED
President Prosniewski requested that everyone please rise to recite the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Salem City Council Land Acknowledgement
The Salem City Council honors that this land is Naumkeag, or fishing place, where
generation of Naumkeag people from the Pawtucket band of the Massachusett Tribe lived
and passed through for centuries.
We acknowledge that this is unceded Indigenous land and also acknowledge the
Massachusett Tribe, who continue to honor and hold this land into the present.
Salem's City Council is committed to having ongoing meaningful dialogue with the
indigenous peoples who have presence in Salem in order to dismantle the legacies of
oppression and inequities that persist today.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Public Testimony not to exceed 15 minutes. Public Testimony is not a public hearing
or question and answer period. Sign up must occur 30 minutes prior to meeting. The
President shall, depending on the number of speakers, set a time limit, not to exceed
three minutes, which each individual presenting testimony must abide.
How to Sign Up:
You may participate in Public Testimony in-person or remotely, if technologically feasible
by either of the following two methods:
1. On-line form: https://records.salem.com/Forms/PublicMeetingSpeaker
This form will be available beginning 6:30 PM on the Tuesday before the meeting and
remains open until 6:30 PM on the day of the Council Meeting. This form requests
information such as your name, address, and whether you will attend in person or

CITY OF SALEM
February 13, 2025
REGULAR MEETING
remotely. If the form is not available due to technology issues, you must use option #2. In
addition, if you plan to have signed up to speak on Zoom, we will allow you to speak as
long as it is technologically feasible.
2. You may also sign the roster in the City Clerk's Office not later than 6:30 PM
on the date of the meeting.
HEARINGS
NONE
APPOINTMENTS AND REAPPOINTMENTS
Held from the last meeting the Mayor's Appointments for the following with terms to expire:
NAME
William Burnham
Peter Habib
Brendan Murray
Robert J. Peterson
Emily Rubio

ADDRESS
BOARD
TERM TO EXPIRE
289 Essex St., Salem Sustainability, Energy
and Resiliency
January 22, 2028
Committee
77 Webb St., Salem Zoning Board of
July 1, 2026
Appeals
1 Lynn St., Salem
Historical Commission January 22, 2027
21 Settlers Way,
Historical Commission January 22, 2028
Salem
78 Essex St., Salem Scholarship &
September 15, 2025
Education Committee

Action Contemplated
Councillor Varela

Moved Confirmation by RCV

Yea Nay Abs

Held from the last meeting the Mayor's Re-Appointments of the following with terms to
expire:
NAME
ADDRESS
BOARD
TERM TO EXPIRE
Richard Jagolta Jr
41 Chestnut St
Assessors
January 31, 2028
Michelle Bettencourt 5 Beachmont Rd.
Council on Aging
January 31, 2028
Jaime Garmendia
6 Rawlins St.
Transportation
February 23, 2028
Commission
Kerry Neenan
330 Lafayette St.
Commissions on
February 13, 2028
Disbilities

CITY OF SALEM
February 13, 2025
REGULAR MEETING
Anthony O’Donnell

35 Washington Sq.

Robert “Zach”
Sanzone
Matt Caruso

91 Essex St.

Conor Ryan

39 Daniels St.

Annie Wolf

13 South St

Charlie Heaps

10 Williams St.

1 Carol Way

Cemetery
February 13, 2028
Commission
Cenetery Commission January 31, 2028
Bicycling & Shared
Path Advisory
Committee
Bicycling & Shared
Path Advisory
Committee
Bicycling & Shared
Path Advisory
Committee
Bicycling & Shared
Path Advisory
Committee

February 10, 2028
February 10, 2028
February 10, 2028
February 10, 2028

Action Contemplated
Councillor Varela

Moved Confirmation by RCV

Yea Nay Abs

Mayor's Appointment of Christa McGaha of 19 Pickman St. to the Zoning Board of
Appeals, replacing Paul Vicca with a term to expire May 1, 2025.
Action Contemplated
Councillor Watson-Felt

Moved Held Under the Rules

Voted

Mayor's Appointment of Glenn Larose of 6 Lovett St. to the Salem Redevelopment
Authority, replacing Cynthia Nina-Soto with a term to expire December 8, 2026.
Action Contemplated
Councillor Stott

Moved Held Under the Rules

Voted

Mayor's Appointment of Emily Gonzalez of 4 Henry St. to the Historical Commission,
replacing Lawrence Spang with a term to expire February 12, 2028.
Action Contemplated
Councillor Harvey

Moved Held Under the Rules

Voted

CITY OF SALEM
February 13, 2025
REGULAR MEETING
Mayor's Appointment of Aiyana Lilly of 17 Appleton St. and Johnny Fabian of 196 Loring
Ave. to the Salem Youth Commission filling the two (2) adult seats, with terms to expire
February 12, 2027.
Action Contemplated
Councillor Varela

Moved Held Under the Rules

Voted

Mayors Appointment of Alexa Ogno of 180A Federal St. to the Bicycling and Shared Path
Advisory Committee, replacing Paul Carson with a term to expire February 12, 2028.
Action Contemplated
Councillor Watson-Felt

Moved Held Under the Rules

Voted

Mayor's Re-Appointment of the Following City Employees with Terms to Expire:
NAME
TITLE
TERM TO EXPIRE
Greg Salamida
Assistant Building Inspector February 12, 2027
Stephen Cortes
Director of Assessing
January 31, 2026
Leonard Rose
Sealer of Weights &
January 31, 2028
Measures
Kristen Lindberg
City Treasurer
January 31, 2028
Action Contemplated
Councillor Varela

Moved Held Under the Rules

Voted

Mayor's Re-Appointments of the Following with Terms to Expire:
NAME
Joshua Nagle

ADDRESS
35 Washington Sq.

Walter Morrell

65 Palmer St.

Jacob St. Louis
David Pabich

34 Buffum St.
8 Harbor View Ter.

Action Contemplated

BOARD/COMMISSIONTERM TO EXPIRE
Bicycling & Shared
February 13, 2028
Path Advisory
Committee
Bicycling & Shared
February 13, 2028
Path Advisory
Committee
Cemetery Commission February 13, 2028
Salem & Beverly Water February 28, 2028
Supply Board

CITY OF SALEM
February 13, 2025
REGULAR MEETING

Councillor Varela

Moved Held Under the Rules

Voted

COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR
Appropriation of $75,000.00 in the Retirement Buyback Account to be expended for sick
leave buybacks to be paid out for active employees
Councillor Merkl
Suspension of Councillor
Objection
the Rules
Action Contemplated
Councillor Merkl

Refer to the Comm. on Admin. &
Finance
OR
Moved Adoption

Voted

Appropriation of $37,635.30 within Retirement Buyback account for contractual buyback for
Public Library and School Dept. Employee
Councillor Merkl
Suspension of Councillor
Objection
the Rules
Action Contemplated
Councillor Merkl

Refer to the Comm. on Admin. &
Finance
OR
Moved Adoption

Voted

Per MGL Ch. 44 Sec. 64 Pay for a prior fiscal year invoice using current fiscal year
appropriation in the amount of $5,593.43 for the IT Department (2/3 vote required)
Councillor Merkl
Suspension of Councillor
Objection
the Rules
Action Contemplated
Councillor Merkl

Refer to the Comm. on Admin. &
Finance
OR
Moved Adoption by RCV

Voted
Yea Nay Abs

CITY OF SALEM
February 13, 2025
REGULAR MEETING
Appropriation of $5,000.00 to the Golf Course Souvenirs/Merchandise Account
Councillor Merkl
Suspension of Councillor
Objection
the Rules
Action Contemplated
Councillor Merkl

Refer to the Comm. on Admin. &
Finance
OR
Moved Adoption

Voted

An Ordinance Amending an Ordinance relative to Regulating the Maintenance of
Abandoned and Foreclosing Residential and Commercial Properties
Action Contemplated
Councillor Hapworth

Moved Refer to the Comm.
on Ord., Lic. & Legal Affairs
OR
Adopted for first passage

Voted
Voted

Home Rule Petition Relative to An Act to Increasing the Local Option Tax in the City of
Salem on the Sale of Marijuana and Marijuana Products
Action Contemplated
Councillor Hapworth

Moved Adoption by RCV

Voted

ORDERED: That the Salem Public Schools is hereby authorized to enter into a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Health and Human
Services (EOHHS), Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), and the
Department of Children and Families (DCF) regarding the administration of origin
transportation costs under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to maximize Federal
Financial Participation from the Federal Government through Title IV-E of the Social
Security Act (Title IV-E).
Action Contemplated
Councillor Varela

Moved Adopted

Voted

Order: That the Mayor is herby authorized to use the City Seal on minted Salem 400+
medallions commemorating the City's quadricentennial.
Action Contemplated

CITY OF SALEM
February 13, 2025
REGULAR MEETING

Councillor Morsillo

Moved Refer to the Comm.
on Government Svcs.
OR
Move Adopted

Voted
Voted

Resolution: Recognizing the Service of Lawrence Spang
Action Contemplated
Councillor Watson-Felt

Moved Adoption by RCV

Voted

MAYOR'S INFORMATIONAL PAGE
NONE
MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS
NONE
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councillor Merkl offered the following report for the Committee on Administration and
Finance co-posted with the Committee of the Whole to whom was referred the matter of
$80,000.00 Appropriation for study to fund ballards installation design plans on Essex St.
Pedestrian Mall. Has considered said matter and would recommend Adoption.
Accept the Report
Voted
Adopt the Recommendation Voted

Councillor Hapworth offered the following report for the Committee on Ordinances,
Licenses and Legal Affairs to whom was referred the matter of Granting of Certain
Licenses: Second Hand Clothing and Second Hand Valuables.
Accept the Report
Voted
Adopt the Recommendation Voted

CITY OF SALEM
February 13, 2025
REGULAR MEETING
Councillor Varela offered the following report for the Government Services Committee to
whom was referred the matter of Creating an Election Commission. Has Considered said
matter and would recommend discharge from Committee with no action taken.
Accept the Report
Voted
Adopt the Recommendation Voted

Councillor Varela offered the following report for the Committee on Government Services
to whom was referred the matter of the Home Rule Petition establishing an Election
Commission. Has considered said matter and would recommend Adoption by Roll Call
Vote
Accept the Report
Voted
Adopt the Recommendation Yeas Nays Absent
by RCV

Councillor Prosniewski offered the following report for the Committee of the Whole to
whom was referred the matter of the Re-Appointment of City Clerk Ilene Simons. Has
considered said matter and would recommend: Action unknown, meeting held after agenda
deadline.
Accept the Report
Voted
Adopt the Recommendation

Voted

COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
Per Chapter 32, Article 5, Section 32-121, communication from Police Chief requesting
authority to install video surveillance cameras or have access to camera system at the
following locations outlined in the attached letter
Action Contemplated
Councillor Hapworth

Moved Adoption

Voted

The Salem Affordable Housing Trust Fund Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024 submitted
by Elena Eimert from the Planning Department
Action Contemplated

CITY OF SALEM
February 13, 2025
REGULAR MEETING

Councillor Stott

Moved Received and Filed

Voted

PETITIONS
Petition from National Grid to install Conduits to 14 Buchanan Rd.
Action Contemplated
Hearing Ordered February
27, 2025
Request from B&S Fitness to hold the Black Cat 10 & 20 Miler Road Race and use of city
streets on March 23, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Action Contemplated
Councillor Hapworth

Moved Granted

Voted

The Following License Applications:
PUBLIC GUIDES
TAXI OPERATORS
TAXI CAB/LIMOS
Action Contemplated
Councillor Hapworth

Moved Granted

Voted

The Following License Application:
PUBLIC GUIDE
Action Contemplated
Councillor Hapworth

Moved Denied

Voted

Moved Refer to the Comm.
on Ord., Lic. & Legal Affairs

Voted

The Following Claims:
Action Contemplated
Councillor Hapworth

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

CITY OF SALEM
February 13, 2025
REGULAR MEETING
Tabled from the Meeting Held on September 12, 2024
Councillor Morsillo

Motion to Remove from the Table

Councillor

Seconded the Motion

The Mayor’s Re-appointments of the following Salem Residents to the Zoning Board of
Appeals, for the terms set forth below.
Stephen Larrick
Ellen Simpson
Nina Vyedin

17 Carlton St.
1 Geneva St.
41 Felt St.

term to expire: September 10, 2026
term to expire: September 10, 2026
term to expire: September 13, 2029

Action Contemplated
Councillor Morsillo

Moved Confirmation by RCV

Yea Nay Abs

Second Passage of an Ordinance amending traffic Ch. 42 Sec. 50B - Handicap Parking Wisteria Street
Action Contemplated
Councillor Cohen

Moved Adoption for second
passage

Voted

Second Passage of an Ordinance to amend Traffic - Ch. 42 Secs. 51 & 74 relative to
Willson Street and Jefferson Avenue
Action Contemplated
Councillor Morsillo

Moved Adoption for second
passage

Voted

ADJOURNMENT
On the motion of Councillor Morsillo, the meeting adjourned at

P.M.

CITY OF SALEM
February 13, 2025
REGULAR MEETING