On the agenda: Salem meeting — surveillance camera (Feb 9)

AGENDA
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
February 9, 2026
Salem High School
44 Geremonty Drive, Salem, NH
6:30 p.m.

CALL TO ORDER
Non-Public Session
RSA 91-A,3,II(d. a)

7:00 p.m.

PUBLIC SESSION
1.

Pledge of Allegiance

2.

Meeting Minutes

3.

Chairman Comments

4.

Approve Consent Agenda

5.

Additions and/or Requests by Public or Council by Vote

6.

Interview Session - Appointments to Recreation Advisory Committee

7.

Employee of the Month Recognition

8.

Fire Department – Swearing in of New Dispatcher

9.

First Read/Waiver
a. Resolution No. 2026-05 – Finance Department - Request Use of
$45,000 in Police Public Safety Impact Fees Towards Police Station
Construction Bond Payment for 2026
b. Resolution No. 2026-06 – Municipal Services Department – Request
Use of $25,000 from the Town Facility Maintenance and Improvement
Capital Reserve Fund for the Depot Train Station Furnace
Replacement

10.

New Business
a. Municipal Services Department – Public Hearing - Accept $21,925
Grant from NH Department of Environmental Services and a Donation
of $1,925 from the Arlington Pond Protective Association (APPA) for
Arlington Pond Exotic Weed Treatment

b.
c.
d.
e.

Municipal Building Advisory Committee (MBAC) Update
Discussion on 2026 Default Budget
Municipal Services Department - Winter Weather Operations Update
Town Manager’s Report/Questions from the Council

11.

Old Business/Tabled and Pending

12.

Upcoming Meetings
• March 2, 2026
• March 16, 2026

Adjourn

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February 2, 2026

MINUTES OF THE
Town Council
Regular Meeting of
February 2, 2026
The Town Council held a meeting on Monday, February 2, 2026, at the Media Center at Salem
High School Salem, NH.
PRESENT: Chairman Cathy Stacey, Councilor Joe Sweeney, Councilor Lisa Withrow,
Councilor Robert Bryant, Councilor Paul Pelletier, Councilor D.J. Bettencourt, Councilor Jeffrey
Hatch, Councilor Keith Stramaglia, and Joe Devine (Town Manager).
ABSENT: Councilor Bonnie Wright
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Stacey began by calling the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
1. Pledge of Allegiance
Chairman Stacey led the Town Council in the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Meeting Minutes
MOTION: by Councilor Withrow
Move to seal the Town Council Non-Public Session Meeting Minutes for February 2, 2026 per
RSA 91-A:3 II m, c, e, and a) because they involve matters which, if discussed in public, would
likely affect adversely the reputation of any person, other than a member of the public body
itself or render a proposed action ineffective.
SECOND: by Councilor Pelletier
VOTE: 8-0-0
The motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: by Councilor Withrow
Move to approve the sealed Town Council Non-Public Session #1 Meeting Minutes from
November 17, 2025.
SECOND: by Councilor Pelletier
VOTE: 8-0-0
The motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: by Councilor Withrow
Move to approve the sealed Town Council Non-Public Session #2 Meeting Minutes from
November 17, 2025.
SECOND: by Councilor Pelletier
VOTE: 8-0-0
The motion passed unanimously.

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MOTION: by Councilor Withrow
Move to approve the Town Council Public Session Meeting Minutes from January 14, 2026.
SECOND: by Councilor Stramaglia
VOTE: 7-0-1
The motion passed with Councilor Bryant abstaining.
3. Chairman Comments:
Chairman Stacey thanked everyone who came out to the Deliberative Session. She thanked the
Town Council for the job they did addressing the Warrant Articles. Chairman Stacey gave a
shout-out to a Salem family that won on Family Feud.
4. Approve Consent Agenda
MOTION: by Councilor Bryant
Move to approve the February 2, 2026, Consent Agenda.
SECOND: by Councilor Hatch
VOTE: 8-0-0
The motion passed unanimously.
5. Additions and/or Requests by Public or Council by Vote
None.
6. Employee of the Month Recognition
Manager Devine stated that he wanted to recognize Ron Benjamin. Mr. Benjamin is the primary
operator of the water plant and the Number 2 person in the Utilities Division. He was not present
at the meeting, but they wanted to congratulate him. Chairman Stacey thanked Mr. Benjamin.
7. Introduction of Community Services Director
Manager Devine introduced the new Community Services Director, Jillian Smith. She had been a
Salem Resident in the past. He gave a brief overview of her work history.
Jillian Smith thanked them for hiring her. She had gotten a chance to meet the people she would
be working with and liked what she was learning about recreation in Salem and the Senior
Center.
Chairman Stacey stated welcome to the Town.
8. Fire Department – Swearing in of New Dispatcher
Manager Devine skipped over this item.
9. First Read/Waiver
a. Resolution No. 2026-03 - Finance Department - Authorize Use of $299,989.19 from
Water DBA and $263,338.94 from Sewer DBA for 2026 Loan Payments for South
Broadway Sewer and Water Pipe Replacement SRF Loans.
Manager Devine stated that this was to authorize payment for the water and sewer project on
South Broadway.

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MOTION: by Councilor Sweeney
Move that the Salem, NH Town Council adopts Resolution No. 2026-03 relating to the 2026
State Revolving Fund loan payment for the South Broadway Sewer and Water Pipe
Replacement Project and further waives the requirement for a second reading. This
Resolution shall take effect upon its passage as follows:
Resolution #2026-03
Authorize Use of Demand and Benefit Assessment
WHEREAS: Section 1.2 of the Town Charter vests in the Town Council the powers of the
legislative and governing bodies; and
WHEREAS: The Town of Salem, through the authority of the Board of Selectmen, adopted
Chapter 455 Utility Demand and Benefit Assessment (DBA), on February 9, 2004, pursuant to
RSA 38:28, RSA 38:27, and RSA 149-I:7 and Chapters 398 and 477 of the Town Code.
WHEREAS: In 2018 the voters authorized warrant article 5 the South Broadway Sewer and
Water Pipe Replacement State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan.
WHEREAS: The loan payment due in 2026 is $299,989.19 for the water main SRF loan and
$429,125.92 for the sewer and culvert SRF loan.
WHEREAS: The Town of Salem, through its Town Council, acting in their capacity as sewer
and water commissioners, has the full authorization to authorize this funding request.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SALEM TOWN COUNCIL THAT: The
Salem Town Council hereby authorizes $299,989.19 to be expended from water DBA and
$263,338.94 to be expended from sewer DBA account for the purpose of payment the 2026
loan payments for the South Broadway Sewer and Water Pipe Replacement SRF loans.
SECOND: by Councilor Withrow
VOTE: 8-0-0
The motion passed unanimously.
b. Resolution No. 2026-04 - Finance Department – Authorize Withdrawal of $68,946
from Depot Improvement Trust Fund and $248,854 from Zone 2 Traffic Impact
Fees for 2026 Depot Land Acquisition Bond Payment
Manager Devine stated that the packet had a memo from the Finance Director. It was for the
2026 Depot Land Acquisition Bond Payment.
MOTION: by Councilor Sweeney
Move that the Salem, NH Town Council adopts Resolution No. 2026-04 relating to the 2026
Depot Land Acquisition Bond Payment and further waives the requirement for a second
reading. This Resolution shall take effect upon its passage as follows:
Resolution #2026-04
Withdraw Depot Trust and Zone 2 Impact Fees
WHEREAS: Section 1.2 of the Town Charter vests in the Town Council the powers of the
legislative and governing bodies; and
WHEREAS: In 2017 the voters authorized warrant article 9 the Depot Intersection Land
Acquisition bond.
WHEREAS: The bond payment due in 2026 is $317,800.
WHEREAS: The Depot Improvement Trust Fund created on March 18, 1992, Section 4 lists
the Board of Selectmen as agents to expend the trust fund

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WHEREAS: RSA 674:21V(c) and Salem Municipal Code Section 490-711I(2) authorizes the
Governing Body to spend impact fees
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SALEM TOWN COUNCIL THAT: The
Salem Town Council hereby authorizes $68,946 to be withdrawn from the Depot Improvement
Trust Fund and $248,854 from zone two traffic impact fees to offset the cost of the Depot Land
Acquisition bond payments due in 2026.
SECOND: by Councilor Withrow
VOTE: 8-0-0
The motion passed unanimously.
10. New Business
a. IT Department - Consider Amendment to Personnel Manual to Include AI
Guidelines
Manager Devine stated that the packet had a memo from the IT Manager.
Tim Moynihan, IT Manager, stated that he was looking to update the personnel manual with
guidelines regarding Artificial Intelligence. The new section would help address the use of this
new technology.
Chairman Stacey stated that the changes looked good.
MOTION: by Councilor Sweeney
Move that the Town Council supports adding language to the personnel manual to include
guidelines relating to the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) while using Town technology.
SECOND: by Councilor Hatch
VOTE: 8-0-0
The motion passed unanimously.
b. Municipal Services Department – Public Hearing – Accept $810,000 Grant
from NH DES for Design, Permitting, and Construction of Chemical Feed
Components for Regional Water Line
Manager Devine stated this was a public hearing to accept a grant from the New Hampshire
Department of Environmental Services.
Chairman Stacey opened the Public Hearing at 7:13 PM.
Wayne Amaral, Municipal Services Director, stated that this was a non-matching grant that
would help design and construct one or two chemical feeds at the tanks. It was a nice surprise
since they had not expected to receive this.
Councilor Pelletier asked what this grant did.
Mr. Amaral stated that it would treat the raw water coming in at the site.
Fred Wallace, Utilities Director, stated that it would improve water quality by improving the
residuals. Currently treatment of the water was only done at the plant, and this would allow for

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February 2, 2026

boosting of the treatment at the tanks. It would improve water quality and allow the water to get
to HAWC in better shape.
Councilor Pelletier stated that it kept the water cleaner at the tanks.
Mr. Wallace stated that it improved the residuals.
Chairman Stacey asked if there was any public comment. There was none.
Chairman Stacey closed the Public Hearing at 7:15 PM.
MOTION: by Councilor Sweeney
Move in accordance with RSA 31:95(b) that the Salem, NH Town Council hereby accepts with
gratitude a grant in the amount of $810,000 from the NH Department of Environmental
Services (DES) as part of the Southern NH Regional Water Interconnection Project Grant
program and further the Town Council agrees to enter into a grant agreement with the NH
Department of Environmental Services for this purpose; and further authorizes the Town
Manager to sign any and all documents necessary to effectuate this grant.
SECOND: by Councilor Pelletier
VOTE: 8-0-0
The motion passed unanimously.
c. Police Department – Public Hearing – Accept $77,260 from NH Department
of Safety, Homeland Security Grant Program for Special Operations Unit
Equipment
Manager Devine stated that this was also a grant requiring a public hearing.
Chairman Stacey opened the Public Hearing at 7:16 PM.
Joel Dolan, Police Chief, stated that this was a grant for the Southern New Hampshire Special
Operations Unit. Salem was the purchasing agent because the unit could not receive the grant
directly. It was to replace a tactical robot that was past its useful life.
Chairman Stacey asked if there was any public comment. There was none.
Chairman Stacey closed the Public Hearing at 7:17 PM.
MOTION: by Councilor Sweeney
Move in accordance with RSA 31:95(b) that the Salem Town Council accepts with gratitude a
grant in the amount of $77,260 from the NH Department of Safety, Division of Homeland
Security, for the Southern New Hampshire Special Operations Unit (SOU) to purchase a
replacement tactical robot for the Police Department, and further authorizes the Town
Manager to sign any and all documents necessary to effectuate this grant.
SECOND: by Councilor Bettencourt
VOTE: 8-0-0
The motion passed unanimously.

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d. Discussion on Request of Communications Committee to Dissolve
Manager Devine stated that this was a request from the Communications Committee to be
allowed to dissolve. Since this Committee was set up under the Charter, it would require a
Charter Amendment to dissolve the Committee.
Chairman Stacey asked if they could have a committee without meetings instead of dissolving it.
Manager Devine answered yes.
Chairman Stacey stated that she did not want to get rid of it.
Councilor Hatch stated that there were times that they would need this committee again. He
believed in suspending it for now.
Councilor Pelletier stated that the Communications Committee had determined that they had
done everything they could. They had a new communications director doing a good job who took
things over that the Committee had been doing. They did not have anything to do.
Councilor Bettencourt stated that he believed it could go into a lull. They did not know what was
coming down the pike. It was harder to bring it back if they did away with it in the Charter.
Councilor Sweeney stated that the Charter Commission wanted to have a staffer for this role, but
they compromised by having the Communications Committee. Having a staffer for this role
balanced things out. They did not have to meet until the need for the committee came back.
Chairman Stacey stated that the Town Manager had the consensus of the board.
e. Discussion on Proposed Finance Committee
Manager Devine stated that he had worked with the Finance Director and the Assistant Town
Manager to draft a proposal. They looked at other towns and the role of budget committees. The
Finance Committee would provide informed, continuous budget review before Town Council
deliberations. It would work with the Town Council. The Finance Committee would follow the
Town Council’s budget goals. The Town Council had a more intimate knowledge of the budget
because they worked on the policies and the direction the Town should be moving in. The
Finance Committee could also be working towards those same policies. They had a fleet plan
and were working towards a facilities plan. They were looking at it longer-term as opposed to
just the current budget. The current process was that the budget went from the Town Manager to
the Town Council and then to the Budget Committee. The process led to issues with late-stage
focus on reductions in the budget, limited context, and changes to the Town Council’s priorities
by the Budget Committee. The benefits of a Finance Committee included having an earlier
review of the budget, providing written recommendations to the Town Council, supporting Town
Council priorities, and ensuring the budget reflected those priorities. The Finance Committee
structure was proposed to have five members. Those members should not include Council
members. He also recommended that there be no Budget Committee members on this committee
either. They felt that this committee should have a member on the CIP Committee. It would
make recommendations only. Manager Devine gave the proposed budget timeline with the

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Finance Committee getting involved to review the proposed budget in September and the
Council reviewing the budget in October and November.
Chairman Stacey asked about having the Finance Committee be a year-round committee.
Manager Devine answered that the plan was for it to be a year-round committee. This was just
the budget timeline.
Councilor Pelletier asked about the timeline for the CIP Committee recommendations.
Manager Devine stated that it wrapped up in the summer. Departments made recommendations
to the CIP in the spring. April was the start of the review for the next budget. Manager Devine
listed some benefits including increased transparency. The next step was to finalize the policy.
Draft bylaws were included with the Agenda.
Councilor Sweeney thanked Manager Devine for putting this together. He wanted this committee
to also look at the fees before the fee changes came to the Council. He felt it would be a big
improvement over the current process.
Chairman Stacey stated that the Town should not be making money from the fees. It should
cover the costs and nothing more.
Councilor Withrow stated that the fees should be fair.
Chairman Stacey stated that she cared only about Salem and not what Derry or other
communities were doing with fees.
Councilor Hatch felt that they should do this. It could show that this process worked even if the
Budget Committee remained. He felt that they should get the budget earlier than what happened
now because he felt rushed through it.
Councilor Withrow stated that she had a different idea for the membership. She was thinking of
having three members. Councilor Withrow wanted criteria such as having someone with a
background in finance so that they could dig into the budget.
Chairman Stacey could put in criteria for members.
Manager Devine stated that they wanted to have more members in case they went on other
committees.
Chairman Stacey stated that it was hard enough to get volunteers. She felt it would turn people
away to have them also have serve on other committees.
Councilor Bettencourt stated that one of the things the Finance Committee could be helpful with
would be in monitoring how they were doing with the budget. The bottom-line budget idea gave

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people a wrong impression that the budget lines did not matter. The budget lines mattered. It
would be good to have this committee monitoring how they were doing.
Councilor Pelletier stated that he was in favor of having five members. He felt that they should
be experienced people.
Chairman Stacey stated that the understanding was that they were intending to move forward
with this proposal regardless of what happened in March. She thanked Manager Devine for the
proposal that was presented.
Councilor Bettencourt stated that the Budget Committee and the Finance Committee were not
mutually exclusive.
f. Town Manager Update/Questions from the Council
Manager Devine stated that he had a winter update. They had fifteen winter events since
December 1st. He gave the stats for the plowing. Liberty Utilities had locked in their new rates
which were 18% higher than the community power rates that the Town had locked in.
Councilor Withrow asked about the utility billing from Liberty Utilities. They were billing for
two months at a time. Something was happening with the bills that should not be happening.
Manager Devine stated that he would reach out about this issue.
Councilor Hatch stated that he got a bill for two months. His automatic payment was just for the
one-month period, but people were paying more than they should have by paying the total. They
were then getting charged for that second month again when the next bill came out.
Manager Devine stated that he would look into it.
Chairman Stacey stated that the next step for people would be to bring it to the Public Utilities
Commission.
Councilor Bettencourt asked about the winter weather update.
Manager Devine stated that the update would be done at the next meeting.
Councilor Hatch stated that it was not just snow that constituted a winter event. They also had to
address ice as well.
Manager Devine stated that 20 inches of snow was a $100,000 storm. The crews were out for
forty-eight hours dealing with the storm. They were fortunate to keep the sheds full of salt. The
price went up because it was a commodity that was in high demand. The regional transit project
stated that they were moving forward with expansion into Salem. The Community Development
Program Manager would come before the Council in March to provide an update. It would start
in April. The transit project would be fully grant-funded by the State of Massachusetts. Residents
would be able to get to a ‘T’ stop from the bus line. They got a wetlands permit for the Ermer

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Road intersection improvements. They were in design and hoping to start this spring. Rain
barrels would be sold again this year. It would help irrigation. The Town Clerk was taking dog
pictures to be posted on the wall. The Town was looking to do a resident survey to get feedback
on how the Town was doing. The results would be provided to the Town Council.
Chairman Stacey asked how soon that would be posted.
Manager Devine stated that would be done later this week.
Chairman Stacey asked about the mall road overpass work that the State was doing.
Manager Devine stated that the work was supposed to start in the spring. The State planned to
wrap up the project before the 2026 holiday season.
11. Old Business/Tabled and Pending
None
12. Upcoming Meetings
• February 9, 2025
• March 2, 2026
• March 16, 2026
ADJOURNMENT AT 7:44 P.M.
MOTION: by Councilor Bettencourt
Move to adjourn at 7:44 PM.
SECOND: by Councilor Withrow
VOTE: 7-0-0
The motion passed unanimously.
Notes/minutes taken by:

Jeremiah Lamson

Approved:

Town Council

Date Approved:

Town of Salem NH

Page 9

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS - TOWN COUNCIL
MEETING OF FEBRUARY 9, 2026

TYPE OF ITEM SIGNED
1 Assessing - Tax Abatement-Grant (16 Veterans Memorial Parkway)
2 Assessing - Tax Abatement-Grant (56 Atkinson Road)
3 Assessing - Tax Abatement-Dock-Grant (3 Blake Road)
4 Assessing - Tax Abatement-Dock-Grant (15 Arlington Pond Court
5 Assessing - Tax Abatement-Solar-Grant (33 Lamplighter Lane)
6 Assessing - Release of Lien (Lowell Road)
7 Cemetery Deeds
8 Tax Collector - Jeopardy Tax Payment - 2025

DATE SIGNED SIGNATURE or VOTE
01/30/26
DocuSign
01/30/26
DocuSign
01/30/26
DocuSign
02/05/26
DocuSign
02/05/26
DocuSign
02/02/26
In Person
02/09/26
In Person
02/09/26
In Person

Salem Fire Department
Headquarters

152 Main Street, Salem, NH 03079
Phone: 603-890-2200 Facsimile: 603-893-3789
www.salemnh.gov

Town Council Swearing In
Thank you for allowing us a few moments this evening to formally welcome our newest Fulltime Fire Alarm Operator who started with us on September 29, 2025.
We are excited to introduce him to you and to the community he now serves.
Mr. Cameron McNally, Badge #278 of Hudson, NH
Prior to Salem Fire, Cameron had been working at Parkland Medical Center as an Emergency
Department Technician. He has also been working as a per diem EMT for Stewarts Ambulance
Service. Although he did not have experience as a dispatcher, Cameron quickly learned the job
and was released from training on December 7, 2025. Cameron has transitioned well into his new
role, and we are happy to have him as part of our team.

Integrity-Community-Compassion-Excellence
Page 1 of 1

TOWN OF SALEM, NEW HAMPSHIRE
33 GEREMONTY DRIVE, SALEM, NH 03079
(603) 890-2040 · FAX: (603) 890-2091
FINANCE DEPARTMENT

Memo
DATE:

February 9, 2026

TO:

Town Council

FROM:

Nicole McGee, CPA
Finance Director

THRU:

Joseph Devine
Town Manager

RE:

Police Station Bond Payment

Recommendation:
That the Town Council vote to authorize the withdrawal of $45,000 from public safety - police
impact fees to offset the cost of the police station construction bond payment in 2026.
Summary:
The 2026 revenue budget includes $45,000 to offset the cost of the police station construction bond
payment. The funding is public safety - police impact fees.
The available balance in the public safety - police impact fee account as of 12/31/25 was $348,913.
I am requesting that the Town Council formally vote to authorize the withdrawal of $45,000 from
public safety - police impact fees to offset the cost of the police station bond payment in 2026.
Thank you.

CHARTERED MARCH 14, 2023

FOUNDED MAY 11, 1750

TOWN OF SALEM, NEW HAMPSHIRE
By the Salem Town Council
Resolution #2026-05
Withdraw Public Safety - Police Impact Fees

WHEREAS: Section 1.2 of the Town Charter vests in the Town Council the powers of the
legislative and governing bodies; and
WHEREAS: In 2024 the voters authorized warrant article 8 Construct New Police Station bond.
WHEREAS: The bond payment due in 2026 is $2,360,775.
WHEREAS: RSA 674:21V(c) and Salem Municipal Code Section 490-711I(2) authorizes the
Governing Body to spend impact fees
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SALEM TOWN COUNCIL THAT:
The Salem Town Council hereby authorizes $45,000 from public safety - police impact fees to
offset the cost of the Police Station Construction bond payment due in 2026.
SPONSORED BY CHAIR STACEY BY REQUEST

Page | 1

First Reading:

February 9, 2026

Second Reading:

Waived

Approval:

February 9, 2026

Resolution #2026-05

VOTING RECORD
Date of Vote:
Councilor Bettencourt
Councilor Wright
Councilor Pelletier
Councilor Bryant
Councilor Stramaglia
Councilor Sweeney
Secretary Withrow
Vice-Chair Hatch

YES

Chair Stacey
Resolution: Does | Does Not pass.
Approved:

Cathy Stacey, Chair Town Council

A True Copy Attest:

Page | 2

Total Votes:

Nicole Morse, Town Clerk

Resolution #2026-05

NO

ABSTAIN

CHARTERED MARCH 14, 2023

FOUNDED MAY 11, 1750

TOWN OF SALEM, NEW HAMPSHIRE
By the Salem Town Council
Resolution #2026-06
Request to Withdraw Funds from the Town Facility Maintenance and Improvement
Capital Reserve Fund for Emergency Work at the Depot Train Station Facility
WHEREAS: The Department of Municipal Services was notified by the tenant of the Depot Train
Station that the heating system has malfunctioned, and the facility had no heat.
WHEREAS: Upon inspection by Town Staff and Town HVAC vendor, it was discovered that the
furnace unit was cracked and no longer operatable and with low temperatures of the week below 5
degrees, it was determined that immediate action was required to restore the heat.
WHEREAS: The Department of Municipal Services immediately authorized the replacement of the
HVAC system and entered into an agreement with the Town’s HVAC vendor to replace as soon as
possible.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SALEM TOWN COUNCIL THAT: The Town
Council, as agents to withdraw from the Town Facility Maintenance and Improvement Capital
Reserve Fund, hereby authorizes an expenditure of up to $25,000 to be disbursed for the Depot
Train Station Furnace Replacement.
SPONSORED BY CHAIR STACEY BY REQUEST

Page | 1

First Reading:

February 9, 2026

Second Reading:

Waived

Approval:

February 9, 2026

Resolution #2026-06

VOTING RECORD
Date of Vote:
Councilor Bettencourt
Councilor Wright
Councilor Pelletier
Councilor Bryant
Councilor Stramaglia
Councilor Sweeney
Secretary Withrow
Vice-Chair Hatch

YES

Chair Stacey
Resolution: Does | Does Not pass.
Approved:

Cathy Stacey, Chair Town Council

A True Copy Attest:

Page | 2

Total Votes:

Nicole Morse, Town Clerk

Resolution #2026-06

NO

ABSTAIN

SALEM MUNICIPAL SERVICES
www.salemnh.gov

ENGINEERING DIVISION
33 GEREMONTY DRIVE
SALEM, NH 03079

TEL: 603-890-2033 FAX: 603-898-1223

Date:
January 28, 2026
To:
Town Council
From:
John P. Klipfel PE, Engineering Director
Through: Joseph Devine, Town Manager
Cc:
Wayne Amaral, Municipal Servicies Director
Nicole McGee, Finance Director
RE:
2026 Arlington Mill Reservoir Exotic Aquatic Plant Control
_____________________________________________________________________________

Recommended Motion:
“Move that the Town Council approve the Certificate of Authority authorizing the Town to enter into a
grant agreement with the State of NH Department of Environmental Services for the Exotic Species
Program to fund the removal of Exotic Species in Arlington Mill Reservoir and further authorize the
Town Manager to execute any documents which may be necessary to effectuate this grant agreement.”
Background:

Arlington Mill Reservoir is a critical water supply for the Town. Arlington Mill Reservoir is
currently experiencing large blooms of variable milfoil, fanwort and brittle naiad. Each invasive
aquatic plant has become a nuisance problem and affects water quality. This grant will help fund
the use of Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting (DASH) which is a chemical-free method that
removes the entire plant, including its roots. The same activity was completed in 2025.
The NH Department of Environmental Services has procured through a bid process Aqualogic,
Inc. to perform 25 days of DASH in 2026.
The total cost will be $43,850, which will be broken down as follows:
· $21,925 - by grant through DES.
· $20,000 - by the Town through water fund (WF-38110-4400) in budget to be approved with
Town vote in March
· $1,925 - by Arlington Pond Protective Association (APPA) as a donation

The State of New Hampshire

Department of Environmental Services
Robert R. Scott, Commissioner
December 31, 2025
Town of Salem
c/o John Klipfel
Dear Mr. Klipfel:
Congratulations! The Department of Environmental Services (NHDES), Exotic Species Program has selected
your exotic aquatic plant control project to receive grant funds in 2026. Below is a breakdown of total project
cost(s), grant award (up to 50% of project costs), and costs to be incurred by local entities.
Total Cost

Herbicide Treatment
n/a

Grant Award
Local Cost
Service Provider

n/a
n/a
n/a

Diver/DASH
$43,850
(25 days of diving/DASH)

$21,925
$21,925
Aqualogic

Total Grant Award: Up to $21,925
NHDES is now in the process of compiling the necessary paperwork to proceed with obtaining approval on this
grant allocation. Attached to the transmittal email, please find several documents that pertain to the granting of
funds to your group from NHDES for 2026.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS BELOW- INCOMPLETE OR
INCORRECTLY COMPLETED PAPERWORK WILL NEED TO BE RETURNED:
Please print the Grant Agreement, Exhibits and Certificate of Authority (attached to email and specified below),
on plain white paper, single-sided, and complete as detailed below:
1.

Grant Agreement: Please have the appropriate person in your organization, who is authorized to
sign on behalf of the organization:
i. complete lines 1.11 and 1.12 of the Grant Agreement.
ii. This same person must initial and date the bottom right corner of each of the three pages
of this document (there are no lines, but somewhere down in the bottom right corner of
each page is fine)
iii. The original inked document must be sent to NHDES by snail mail.

2.

Exhibits: Each of the pages in the Exhibits A-C document must be initialed and dated, on the
bottom right, by the same person who completed the Grant Agreement in #1 above and should have
the same date as that for when the Grant Agreement was signed. The original inked document must
be sent to NHDES by snail mail.

www.des.nh.gov

29 Hazen Drive • PO Box 95 • Concord, NH 03302-0095
(603) 271-3503 • Fax: 271-7894 TDD Access: Relay NH 1-800-735-2964

Exotic Aquatic Plant Control Grants
Page 2

3.

Certificate of Authority: This form is confusing, please read carefully here: This is a certificate
that verifies that the person who signs the Grant Agreement in #1 above is in a position that is
authorized to do so.
i.
This form must be completed by someone other than the person who signed/initialed
the Grant Agreement and Exhibits in #1 and #2 above.
ii. This second person fills out the form and puts the name of the entity authorized to
sign on the appropriate line. See example below.
iii. This form must be dated before, or on the same date, that items #1 and #2 above are
completed.
iv.
This original inked document must be snail mailed to NHDES.
For example: If the President of your organization filled out the Grant Agreement and initialed and
dated the pages of the Grant Agreement, and initialed and dated the pages of the Exhibits, then
someone else like the Treasurer, Vice President, Secretary, or other officer will serve as the
“certifying officer” and can fill out the Certificate of Authority, verifying, in their own capacity, that
the President was authorized to sign the Grant Agreement and initial the Exhibits. Basically, the
person who fills out the grant agreement cannot fill out this Certificate, they can only be named on it
as the person authorized to sign the grant agreement for your group.

4.

Certificate of Insurance- If your group carries insurance and/or worker’s comp please ask your
insurance agent to send a one-page certificate to me. Please list NHDES, 29 Hazen Drive, Concord,
NH 03301 on the bottom left of the Certificate of Insurance. If you do not have insurance or
workers compensation, that is OK, but I am required to ask if it is available. If you do not have
insurance coverage for your group, simply email and let me know. If you do have insurance, that
certificate can be emailed to me at [email protected].

Items #1-3 should be completed, and the original inked documents returned to my attention at the address listed in
the footer of the letterhead, at your earliest convenience, but no later than February 13, 2026.
Item #4 can be emailed to me at [email protected].

All payments/disbursements on the grant will be made on a reimbursement basis upon submission of
appropriate invoicing for services or materials rendered, and the appropriate match percent will be applied to
each invoice received by NHDES. Please email invoices as you receive them (please don’t hold them until the
project is complete).
Please note that the contractual process cannot begin until we have all of the completed paperwork from
your group. Your rapid attention in preparing these documents and returning them to me is much
appreciated, and it will aid in expediting this frequently lengthy grant approval process.
I will be working on preparing and/or updating (as appropriate) a long-term management plan for your
waterbody. Once it is fully drafted, I will be sending it to you electronically for review. In late February, I will

Exotic Aquatic Plant Control Grants
Page 3

be sending it to the contractor(s) who will be performing the control actions for your waterbody, so they can use
it for planning purposes.
If you have not already done so, please confirm with the contractor(s) listed in the table above that you accept
their bid and would like to secure their services as outlined in the bid(s) for 2026.
If you have questions at any point during the grant process, or would like clarification on how to complete the
paperwork, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected]. Paperwork that is not
completed correctly will need to be returned, and this will delay the grant processing.
Sincerely,

Georgia Bunnell
Exotic Species Program Coordinator

FORM NUMBER G-1 (version 11/2021)

GRANT AGREEMENT
The State of New Hampshire and the Grantee hereby
Mutually agree as follows:
GENERAL PROVISIONS
1. Identification and Definitions.
1.1. State Agency Name
NH Department of Environmental Services

1.2. State Agency Address
29 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03302-0095

1.3. Grantee Name
Town of Salem

1.4. Grantee Address
33 Geremonty Drive
Salem, NH 03079

1.5 Grantee Phone #
603-890-2033

1.6 Account Number
442010-1430-073

1.9. Grant Officer for State Agency
Georgia Bunnell

1.7. Completion Date
1.8. Grant Limitation
$21,925
December 31, 2026
1.10. State Agency Telephone Number
603-271-2248

If Grantee is a municipality or village district: "By signing this form we certify that we have complied with any public
meeting requirement for acceptance of this grant, including if applicable RSA 31:95-b."

1.11. Grantee Signature 1

1.12. Name & Title of Grantee Signor 1

Grantee Signature 2

Name & Title of Grantee Signor 2

Grantee Signature 3

Name & Title of Grantee Signor 3

1.13 State Agency Signature(s)

1.14. Name & Title of State Agency Signor(s)
Robert R. Scott, Commissioner

1.15. Approval by Attorney General (Form, Substance and Execution) (if G & C approval required)
By:

Assistant Attorney General, On:

/

/

1.16. Approval by Governor and Council (if applicable)
By:

On:

/

/

2. SCOPE OF WORK: In exchange for grant funds provided by the State of New Hampshire, acting
through the Agency identified in block 1.1 (hereinafter referred to as “the State”), the Grantee
identified in block 1.3 (hereinafter referred to as “the Grantee”), shall perform that work identified and
more particularly described in the scope of work attached hereto as EXHIBIT B (the scope of work
being hereinafter referred to as “the Project”).

Initials:_________
Date:__________

3.
4.
4.1.

4.2.
5.
5.1.
5.2.
5.3.

5.4.

5.5.

6.

7.
7.1.

7.2.

8.
8.1.

8.2.

8.3.
9.
9.1.

AREA COVERED. Except as otherwise specifically provided for herein, the
Grantee shall perform the Project in, and with respect to, the State of New
9.2.
Hampshire.
EFFECTIVE DATE: COMPLETION OF PROJECT.
This Agreement, and all obligations of the parties hereunder, shall become
effective on the date on the date of approval of this Agreement by the Governor
and Council of the State of New Hampshire if required (block 1.16), or upon 9.3.
signature by the State Agency as shown in block 1.14 (“the Effective Date”).
Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, the Project, including all reports 9.4.
required by this Agreement, shall be completed in ITS entirety prior to the date in
block 1.7 (hereinafter referred to as “the Completion Date”).
GRANT AMOUNT: LIMITATION ON AMOUNT: VOUCHERS: PAYMENT.
The Grant Amount is identified and more particularly described in EXHIBIT C,
9.5.
attached hereto.
The manner of, and schedule of payment shall be as set forth in EXHIBIT C.
In accordance with the provisions set forth in EXHIBIT C, and in consideration 10.
of the satisfactory performance of the Project, as determined by the State, and as
limited by subparagraph 5.5 of these general provisions, the State shall pay the
Grantee the Grant Amount. The State shall withhold from the amount otherwise
payable to the Grantee under this subparagraph 5.3 those sums required, or
permitted, to be withheld pursuant to N.H. RSA 80:7 through 7-c.
The payment by the State of the Grant amount shall be the only, and the complete
payment to the Grantee for all expenses, of whatever nature, incurred by the
Grantee in the performance hereof, and shall be the only, and the complete,
compensation to the Grantee for the Project. The State shall have no liabilities to 11.
11.1.
the Grantee other than the Grant Amount.
Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, and notwithstanding
unexpected circumstances, in no event shall the total of all payments authorized, 11.1.1
or actually made, hereunder exceed the Grant limitation set forth in block 1.8 of 11.1.2
11.1.3
these general provisions.
COMPLIANCE BY GRANTEE WITH LAWS AND REGULATIONS. In 11.1.4
connection with the performance of the Project, the Grantee shall comply with all 11.2.
statutes, laws regulations, and orders of federal, state, county, or municipal
authorities which shall impose any obligations or duty upon the Grantee, including 11.2.1
the acquisition of any and all necessary permits and RSA 31-95-b.
RECORDS and ACCOUNTS.
Between the Effective Date and the date seven (7) years after the Completion
Date, unless otherwise required by the grant terms or the Agency, the Grantee
shall keep detailed accounts of all expenses incurred in connection with the 11.2.2
Project, including, but not limited to, costs of administration, transportation,
insurance, telephone calls, and clerical materials and services. Such accounts
shall be supported by receipts, invoices, bills and other similar documents.
Between the Effective Date and the date seven (7) years after the Completion
Date, unless otherwise required by the grant terms or the Agency pursuant to 11.2.3
subparagraph 7.1, at any time during the Grantee’s normal business hours, and as
often as the State shall demand, the Grantee shall make available to the State all 11.2.4
records pertaining to matters covered by this Agreement. The Grantee shall
permit the State to audit, examine, and reproduce such records, and to make audits 12.
of all contracts, invoices, materials, payrolls, records of personnel, data (as that 12.1.
term is hereinafter defined), and other information relating to all matters covered
by this Agreement. As used in this paragraph, “Grantee” includes all persons,
natural or fictional, affiliated with, controlled by, or under common ownership
with, the entity identified as the Grantee in block 1.3 of these provisions
PERSONNEL.
The Grantee shall, at its own expense, provide all personnel necessary to perform 12.2.
the Project. The Grantee warrants that all personnel engaged in the Project shall
be qualified to perform such Project, and shall be properly licensed and authorized
to perform such Project under all applicable laws.
The Grantee shall not hire, and it shall not permit any subcontractor, subgrantee, 12.3.
or other person, firm or corporation with whom it is engaged in a combined effort
to perform the Project, to hire any person who has a contractual relationship with
the State, or who is a State officer or employee, elected or appointed.
The Grant Officer shall be the representative of the State hereunder. In the event
of any dispute hereunder, the interpretation of this Agreement by the Grant 12.4.
Officer, and his/her decision on any dispute, shall be final.
DATA; RETENTION OF DATA; ACCESS.
As used in this Agreement, the word “data” shall mean all information and things 13.
developed or obtained during the performance of, or acquired or developed by
reason of, this Agreement, including, but not limited to, all studies, reports, files,
formulae, surveys, maps, charts, sound recordings, video recordings, pictorial
reproductions, drawings, analyses, graphic representations,

computer programs, computer printouts, notes, letters, memoranda, paper, and
documents, all whether finished or unfinished.
Between the Effective Date and the Completion Date the Grantee shall grant to
the State, or any person designated by it, unrestricted access to all data for
examination, duplication, publication, translation, sale, disposal, or for any other
purpose whatsoever.
No data shall be subject to copyright in the United States or any other country by
anyone other than the State.
On and after the Effective Date all data, and any property which has been received
from the State or purchased with funds provided for that purpose under this
Agreement, shall be the property of the State, and shall be returned to the State
upon demand or upon termination of this Agreement for any reason, whichever
shall first occur.
The State, and anyone it shall designate, shall have unrestricted authority to
publish, disclose, distribute and otherwise use, in whole or in part, all data.
CONDITIONAL NATURE OR AGREEMENT. Notwithstanding anything in
this Agreement to the contrary, all obligations of the State hereunder, including,
without limitation, the continuance of payments hereunder, are contingent upon
the availability or continued appropriation of funds, and in no event shall the State
be liable for any payments hereunder in excess of such available or appropriated
funds. In the event of a reduction or termination of those funds, the State shall
have the right to withhold payment until such funds become available, if ever, and
shall have the right to terminate this Agreement immediately upon giving the
Grantee notice of such termination.
EVENT OF DEFAULT: REMEDIES.
Any one or more of the following acts or omissions of the Grantee shall constitute
an event of default hereunder (hereinafter referred to as “Events of Default”):
Failure to perform the Project satisfactorily or on schedule; or
Failure to submit any report required hereunder; or
Failure to maintain, or permit access to, the records required hereunder; or
Failure to perform any of the other covenants and conditions of this Agreement.
Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, the State may take any one, or more,
or all, of the following actions:
Give the Grantee a written notice specifying the Event of Default and requiring it
to be remedied within, in the absence of a greater or lesser specification of time,
thirty (30) days from the date of the notice; and if the Event of Default is not
timely remedied, terminate this Agreement, effective two (2) days after giving the
Grantee notice of termination; and
Give the Grantee a written notice specifying the Event of Default and suspending
all payments to be made under this Agreement and ordering that the portion of the
Grant Amount which would otherwise accrue to the Grantee during the period
from the date of such notice until such time as the State determines that the
Grantee has cured the Event of Default shall never be paid to the Grantee; and
Set off against any other obligation the State may owe to the Grantee any damages
the State suffers by reason of any Event of Default; and
Treat the agreement as breached and pursue any of its remedies at law or in equity,
or both.
TERMINATION.
In the event of any early termination of this Agreement for any reason other than
the completion of the Project, the Grantee shall deliver to the Grant Officer, not
later than fifteen (15) days after the date of termination, a report (hereinafter
referred to as the “Termination Report”) describing in detail all Project Work
performed, and the Grant Amount earned, to and including the date of termination.
In the event of Termination under paragraphs 10 or 12.4 of these general
provisions, the approval of such a Termination Report by the State shall entitle
the Grantee to receive that portion of the Grant amount earned to and including
the date of termination.
In the event of Termination under paragraphs 10 or 12.4 of these general
provisions, the approval of such a Termination Report by the State shall in no
event relieve the Grantee from any and all liability for damages sustained or
incurred by the State as a result of the Grantee’s breach of its obligations
hereunder.
Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, either the State or,
except where notice default has been given to the Grantee hereunder, the Grantee,
may terminate this Agreement without cause upon thirty (30) days written notice.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST. No officer, member of employee of the Grantee,
and no representative, officer or employee of the State of New Hampshire or of
the governing body of the locality or localities in which the Project is to be
performed, who exercises any functions or responsibilities in the review or

Initials:_________
Date:__________

14.

15.

16.

17.
17.1

17.1.1
17.1.2

approval of the undertaking or carrying out of such Project, shall participate in 17.2.
any decision relating to this Agreement which affects his or her personal interest
or the interest of any corporation, partnership, or association in which he or she
is directly or indirectly interested, nor shall he or she have any personal or
pecuniary interest, direct or indirect, in this Agreement or the proceeds thereof.
GRANTEE’S RELATION TO THE STATE. In the performance of this
Agreement the Grantee, its employees, and any subcontractor or subgrantee of 18.
the Grantee are in all respects independent contractors, and are neither agents
nor employees of the State. Neither the Grantee nor any of its officers,
employees, agents, members, subcontractors or subgrantees, shall have authority
to bind the State nor are they entitled to any of the benefits, workmen’s
compensation or emoluments provided by the State to its employees.
ASSIGNMENT AND SUBCONTRACTS. The Grantee shall not assign, or 19.
otherwise transfer any interest in this Agreement without the prior written
consent of the State. None of the Project Work shall be subcontracted or
subgranted by the Grantee other than as set forth in Exhibit B without the prior
20.
written consent of the State.
INDEMNIFICATION. The Grantee shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless
the State, its officers and employees, from and against any and all losses suffered
by the State, its officers and employees, and any and all claims, liabilities or
penalties asserted against the State, its officers and employees, by or on behalf 21.
of any person, on account of, based on, resulting from, arising out of (or which
may be claimed to arise out of) the acts or omissions of the Grantee or
subcontractor, or subgrantee or other agent of the Grantee. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, nothing herein contained shall be deemed to constitute a waiver of the
sovereign immunity of the State, which immunity is hereby reserved to the State.
22.
This covenant shall survive the termination of this agreement.
INSURANCE.
The Grantee shall, at its own expense, obtain and maintain in force, or shall 23.
require any subcontractor, subgrantee or assignee performing Project work to
obtain and maintain in force, both for the benefit of the State, the following
insurance:
Statutory workers’ compensation and employees liability insurance for all 24.
employees engaged in the performance of the Project, and
General liability insurance against all claims of bodily injuries, death or property
damage, in amounts not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000
aggregate for bodily injury or death any one incident, and $500,000 for property
damage in any one incident; and

The policies described in subparagraph 17.1 of this paragraph shall be the standard
form employed in the State of New Hampshire, issued by underwriters acceptable
to the State, and authorized to do business in the State of New Hampshire. Grantee
shall furnish to the State, certificates of insurance for all renewal(s) of insurance
required under this Agreement no later than ten (10) days prior to the expiration
date of each insurance policy.
WAIVER OF BREACH. No failure by the State to enforce any provisions hereof
after any Event of Default shall be deemed a waiver of its rights with regard to
that Event, or any subsequent Event. No express waiver of any Event of Default
shall be deemed a waiver of any provisions hereof. No such failure of waiver
shall be deemed a waiver of the right of the State to enforce each and all of the
provisions hereof upon any further or other default on the part of the Grantee.
NOTICE. Any notice by a party hereto to the other party shall be deemed to have
been duly delivered or given at the time of mailing by certified mail, postage
prepaid, in a United States Post Office addressed to the parties at the addresses
first above given.
AMENDMENT. This Agreement may be amended, waived or discharged only
by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto and only after approval of
such amendment, waiver or discharge by the Governor and Council of the State
of New Hampshire, if required or by the signing State Agency.
CONSTRUCTION OF AGREEMENT AND TERMS. This Agreement shall be
construed in accordance with the law of the State of New Hampshire, and is
binding upon and inures to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors
and assignees. The captions and contents of the “subject” blank are used only as
a matter of convenience, and are not to be considered a part of this Agreement or
to be used in determining the intend of the parties hereto.
THIRD PARTIES. The parties hereto do not intend to benefit any third parties
and this Agreement shall not be construed to confer any such benefit.
ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement, which may be executed in a number
of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, constitutes the entire
agreement and understanding between the parties, and supersedes all prior
agreements and understandings relating hereto.
SPECIAL PROVISIONS. The additional or modifying provisions set forth in
Exhibit A hereto are incorporated as part of this agreement.

Initials:_________
Date:__________

ATTACHMENT A
BUDGET ESTIMATES
TOWN OF SALEM

DASH/DIVING – ARLINGTON POND
Item/Service
Cost
25 DASH/BASIC DIVE Days
One-time set up fee
Total
*NHDES will pay up to 50% of the total project cost, up to $21,925.

$43,750
$100
$43,850*

EXHIBIT A
SPECIAL PROVISIONS
TOWN OF SALEM
There are no special provisions.

Initials:_________
Date:__________

EXHIBIT B
SCOPE OF SERVICES
TOWN OF SALEM
1.

The Town of Salem is the grantee for this project. The New Hampshire Department of
Environmental Services (NHDES) is referred to as the “state.” Georgia Bunnell of the
Watershed Management Bureau is the grant officer for the state.

2.

Variable milfoil, fanwort, and brittle naiad, each invasive aquatic plants, have become a
nuisance problem in various portions of Arlington Pond and upstream connected
waterbodies, and the grantee is seeking grant funds to assist in control efforts in 2026.

3.

The grantee shall ensure that the contractors adhere to the following project-specific tasks:
For the diver work in 2026, the grantee will ensure that the diver(s) perform(s) the following
tasks related to Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting (DASH):

4.

•

Task 1

Notify the NHDES Exotic Species Program of the scope and timing of the
project, and how the materials removed from the pond will be disposed
of, and the names of the divers performing the work, at least two weeks
before the work is scheduled to begin. Divers performing this work must
be certified Weed Control Divers in New Hampshire.

•

Task 2

Notify NHDES within 5 business days of when the work is completed by
submitting daily dive reports for work that was performed, per the
reporting examples provided in the Weed Control Diver course.

NHDES will provide monetary support to you as outlined in Exhibit C.

Initials:_________
Date:__________

EXHIBIT C
PAYMENT TERMS
TOWN OF SALEM
Payments shall be made by NHDES to the grantee upon approval of stated outputs and verification
of the value of completed work through submittal of invoices for services rendered. NHDES will pay
the grantee up to $21,925, within 30 days of receiving the invoice(s) for the activities outlined in
Exhibit B.
The billing address for invoices and all other correspondence shall be as follows:
NH Department of Environmental Services
29 Hazen Drive, PO Box 95
Concord, NH 03302-0095
Attn: Georgia Bunnell, Watershed Management Bureau
Invoices should be emailed to [email protected] as they are received from the vendor.
Please do not hold invoices until the project is complete. Invoices shall be approved by the Grant
Officer before payment is processed.

Initials:_________
Date:__________

MBAC

UPDATE TO THE TOWN COUNCIL

JANUARY 26, 2026

POLICE STATION UPDATE
FIRE SOUTH STATION

As of December 16, 2025

POLICE STATION UPDATE
FIRE SOUTH STATION

As of February 3, 2026

SOUTH STATION UPDATE
• In 2024 the Fire Department submitted a new 4 phase plan for their
stations. South Station is listed as their number 1 priority
• This existing facility has numerous deficiencies that need to be
addressed
• Space needs
• Is not ADA compliance
• Health concerns for employees
• Asbestos throughout the building
• Gear extractor is located on the opposite end of the building from the apparatus bay

• Not energy efficient
• No gender specific restrooms and showers

SOUTH STATION UPDATE
• April 7, 2025 Town Council Meeting endorsed tearing down and
reconstructing a new building as this option costs less, is less risky,
and will take less time than a renovation and expansion project
• Councilor Pelletier inquired if South Station can be built behind the
existing building to avoid the costs of relocation
• May not be permittable due to wetlands
• ARM fund contribution approximate $300,000
• A retaining wall will need to be built as well as a temporary access road which
after construction would need to be removed and area restored
• Push building back of site which is 50% wet

SOUTH STATION UPDATE
• December 15, 2025 Town Council Meeting passed
Resolution No. 2025-39

SOUTH STATION UPDATE
• TGAS will work on the schematic design and design
development
• GPI has authorized to begin wetland mapping, civil
engineering, permitting, etc.
• Trident will continue as the Owner’s Project Manager for this
next phase of the South Station project.

SOUTH STATION PUSH CEREMONY

CONCEPTUAL DESIGN

2026 BUDGET UPDATE
FIRE SOUTH STATION
• August 7, 2025 meeting MBAC voted to submit 10 projects totaling
$312,000 to be considered for the 2026 budget
• Town Manager reduced this request to 8 projects totaling $197,000
• Town Council kept the 8 projects in their 2026 recommended budget
• Budget Committee made a $2 million reduction to the overall
operating budget

MBAC 2026 BUDGET REQUESTS
FIRE SOUTH STATION
Building

Project

Budget
Request

Included in TM
and TC Budget

Included in
2026 Proposed
Budget

Pine Grove Cemetery

Replace Front Door and Windows

6,000

6,000

0

Town Hall

Exterior Paint

7,500

7,500

0

Senior Center

Repair Front Walkway

5,500

5,500

0

Senior Center

Guardrail Along Parking Lot

5,000

5,000

0

Old Town Hall

New Furnace and Propane Tank

100,000

0

0

Court House

Carpeting

15,000

0

0

Depot Train Station

Downstairs Carpeting

10,000

10,000

0

Transfer Station

Replace/Fix One Large Garage Door

8,000

8,000

0

Central Fire Station

Interconnect Smoke and Carbon
Detectors

5,000

5,000

0

North Fire Station

Replace Roof

150,000

150,000

0

Total 312,000

197,000

0

2026 BUDGET UPDATE
FIRE SOUTH STATION
• MBAC’s purpose is: “to create a plan and/or strategy for the
coordination of specific investments for capital improvements and
general maintenance of key town buildings and properties…”
• MBAC is working on drafting a multi-year plan for maintenance
and capital improvements to town facilities

BUILDING CONDITION INDEX
• Purpose of the BCI is to assess the overall condition of each
building
• Identify the most significant deficiencies
• Highlight priority needs

• Concise and easy to read
• Assist MBAC with preparing a capital improvement plan for
town facilities
• Assist elected officials when conducting budget reviews of
facility requests

BUILDING CONDITION INDEX
• The BCI report is completed for 20 of the town facilities
• Good Condition: 6 buildings
• Average Condition: 8 buildings
• Poor Condition: 5 buildings
• Replacement/Failure: 1 building

QUESTIONS?

MBAC

Building Condition
Index
2025

Building Condition Index Committee
Nicole McGee, MBAC Chair
James Pacheco, Facilities Foreman
Kim Babaian, Business Manager

Introduction to the Building Condition Index
In June 2021, the Board of Selectmen established the Municipal Buildings Advisory
Committee (MBAC) to develop a coordinated plan and strategy for capital improvements
and ongoing maintenance of key Town-owned buildings and properties that support public
services for the residents and visitors of Salem. As part of this e ort, the MBAC determined
that a Building Condition Index (BCI) would provide a consistent and objective framework
for evaluating the condition of Town facilities.
The purpose of the BCI is to assess the overall condition of each building, identify the most
significant deficiencies, and highlight priority needs. This concise and easy-to-read report
is intended to assist MBAC and Town o icials in developing a long-term capital plan for
municipal facilities.
A subcommittee was formed to conduct on-site evaluations of each Town-owned facility.
Building reviews were completed between March and August 2025, with each visit
including participation from the Facilities Foreman and a Building Inspector.
This report outlines areas of concern and identifies failing or deficient building
components. Each facility was evaluated and ranked across the following key categories:
interior, exterior, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, information technology, structural systems,
and site conditions. Each category was assigned a score ranging from 0 to 100, with 0
representing the lowest condition rating and 100 representing new or like-new building
components or systems.
The BCI for each building is intended to provide a high-level summary of the most critical
issues a ecting each facility. While additional deficiencies may exist, not all were included
in the BCI scoring. A color-coded rating system is used to illustrate overall building
condition: green indicates good condition, yellow indicates average condition, orange
indicates poor condition, and red indicates replacement or failure.
A total of twenty (20) Town-owned facilities were evaluated and ranked, with the following
results:


Good Condition: 6 buildings



Average Condition: 8 buildings



Poor Condition: 5 buildings



Replacement/Failure: 1 building

This report serves as a planning tool for elected o icials and MBAC in evaluating
maintenance priorities and the financial significance of repair and replacement needs

across Town facilities. It is recommended that the Building Condition Index for each facility
be reviewed and updated on a biennial basis to ensure continued accuracy and relevance.
By establishing a standardized and repeatable methodology, the Building Condition Index
provides the Town with a transparent tool for prioritizing investments, planning for longterm capital needs, and responsibly stewarding public assets in support of essential
municipal services.

Millville Circle Recreation Building
Location:
Year Built:
Building Area:

BCI

119 Millville Cir
1970/1980
864 sq ft

6

Summary: Single story structure housing a mechanical room and two bathrooms
Top Deficiencies:
Roof Replacement
Asbestos throughout the building
Insect and small animal infestation
Would require full renovation to bring up to code

Millville Circle
Recreation Building

Building Condition Index Rating
Interior

8
Notes
Committee did not enter the building

Exterior

8
Needs
New Roof
Remediate pests
Clear trees from surrounding area
Wants
Repaint the exterior

HVAC

Notes
None

Plumbing

13
Needs
Update bathrooms

Electrical

13
Needs
Update electrical

IT

Notes
None

Structure and Site

-

BCI

6

Transfer Station
Location:
Year Built:
Building Area:

BCI

101 Shannon Rd
1980

31

Summary: Waste management facility where garbage, recyclables, and other solid waste are temporarily collected
and consolidated before being transported out.
Top Deficiencies:
Scale house flooring
No fire alarm for transfer station building
Pest issues throughout property

Transfer
Station

Building Condition Index Rating
Interior

35
Needs
Floor replacement in the scale house

Exterior

30
Needs
Repair broken garage doors
Wants
Fix missing panels on the building
Another door or method to drop off refuse

HVAC

50

Plumbing

45
Wants
Move the well for the building or run water line to property
Sprinkler system for the building

Electrical

10
Needs
Fire alarm for the building
Wants
Update electrical panel

IT

15
Needs
Fiber to the main building
Wants
Tie security system feed to central location

Structure and Site
35
Need
Permanent solution for scale house trailer
Control pest issues on the property
Wants
Remediate pest damage to pavement (potholes)

BCI

31

Pine Grove Garage
Location: 327 Main St
Year Built: 1975
Building Area: 1,920 sq ft

BCI

34

Summary: This building is used to store mowers, a backhoe with sand, burial equipment, etc. There are four
full time employees stationed in this building year round. There are up to eight employees stationed in this
building during the summer.
Top Deficiencies:
Windows and doors have excessive rot
Building should have ventilation system, fire alarm, generator, HVAC, and Wi-Fi
Separate storage for raw materials i.e. dirt

Building Condition Index Rating
Interior

Pine Grove
Garage

BCI

34

20

Needs
Ventilation system
Fire alarm system
Wants
Carpeting in employee areas
Segregate the garage from employee break room
Separate area to store raw materials
Paint
Exterior
50
Needs
New doors and windows. Door and window frames have rot. Door frame is
separating. Window frames are separating causing rodents to enter the building.
Window frames are popping out.
Wants
Card access to building. Security camera
Note
Roof is in good condition. Approximately 15 years old.
HVAC
20
Wants
Air-conditioning in the facility. Currently use wall units.
Notes
Intake air for breakroom AC unit from garage
Furnace installed in 2021
Plumbing
60
Note
Water heater installed in 2021
Electrical
20
Wants
Upgrade electrical panel
Replace lights to LED lights
Install generator interlock kit and purchase generator

South Fire Station
Location: 170 Lawrence Rd
Year Built: 1974
Building Area: 8,562 sq ft

BCI

36

Summary: This is the fire station located in the southern part of town. There are three to five full-time employees
stationed in this building year-round.
Top Deficiencies:
There are no gender-specific locker room/restroom facilities
Asbestos issues throughout the building
Lacks a designated area designed for decontamination purposes
Lacks dedicated area for IT space

South Fire
Station

Building Condition Index Rating
Interior

BCI

15
Needs
Asbestos removal and carpet/flooring replaced - tiles are cracked
Emergency Lighting
Extractor - Living quarters
Wants
LED Lighting

Exterior

25
Needs
Roof - last done in 2009
Siding is starting to rot and neighbors have started to complain

HVAC

50
Needs
Boiler installed in 1997

Plumbing

40
Needs
Sprinklers
Pluming upgrade (plumbing is original to building)

Electrical

40
Needs
Upgrade electrical panel
Replace lights to LED lights
Install generator interlock kit and purchase generator

IT

40
Needs
Dedicated server room
Wants
Security Cameras

Structure and Site

40
Needs
ADA issues in the front main entrance 1"-3" lip to get into main door
1"-3" lip between pavement and concrete path
Wants
Repave parking lot and fix drainage issues

36

Palmer School
Location: 111 E Broadway
Year Built: 1975
1800s
Building Area:

BCI

38

Summary: This building was used for a preschool program. It is now used as storage for the Recreation
division of the Community Services Department.
Top Deficiencies:
Roof needs to be replaced
Structural issues - rear wall is buckling, ceiling is bowing
Foundation failure

Building Condition Index Rating

Palmer
School

BCI

Interior
Needs
Abatement for lead and asbestos
Repair sagging flooring
Repair sagging ceiling
Wants
Paint (if building were to reopen)
Exterior
Needs
Foundation work on rear wall
Remediate back wall (steel support bar secured to exterior to reinforce and
stabilize wall)
Roof Replacement
Remediate window sills painted with lead paint
Wants
Paint
Assessment for bricks
Repairs to handicap ramp
HVAC
Wants
AC Condenser
Plumbing
Notes
Water is off
Wants
Fixture update (if building were to reopened (fixtures are for children))

Electrical - No needs or wants noted
IT
Wants
Security panel (if building were to reopen)
Structure and Site
Wants
Mulch chips in playground (if building were to reopen)

38

DPW Building
Location:
Year Built:
Building Area:

BCI

21 Cross St
1960
14,630 sq ft

38

Summary: Houses the offices, equipment, and staff responsible for maintaining public infrastructure and services.
Note: Phase 2 of Temp PD to DPW Use project recommends building torn down.
Top Deficiencies:
Inadequate spacing
Secure area for IT infrastructure
Limited access to repair garage

DPW
Building

Building Condition Index Rating
Interior

Needs
27
Inadequate spacing
Limited storage and limited meeting space

Wants
Flooring upgrades

Exterior

40
Wants
Siding and window replacements

HVAC

53

Plumbing

40
Needs
Replace septic tank

Electrical

IT

50

23
Needs
Secure area for IT infrastructure

Structure and Site
Wants
Pave parking lot

35

BCI

38

Parks Building (Pink Barn)
Location: 53 Old Rockingham Road
Year Built: 1975
1960
Building Area: 4,480 sq ft

BCI

43

This building serves as a storage facility for the Department of Public Works (DPW). It currently houses seasonal
equipment such as lawn mowers during the winter, as well as PPE supplies, voting materials, and signage and
paint used for DPW operations. The plan is to maintain the building in operational condition, make repairs as
needed, and continue using it for storage purposes.
Top Deficiencies:

Front entrance is unsecure

Building Condition Index Rating
Interior

BCI

50
Wants
Masonry work to fix cracks

Exterior

47
Wants
None

HVAC

37
Wants
None
Notes
Older furnaces, still functioning

Plumbing
Wants
None

40

Electrical
Wants
None

43

IT
Wants
None
Structure and Site
Needs
Eliminate the unsecure walkway/bridge. Secure the front
entrance area
Wants
Resurface pavement

43

Town Hall
Location:
Year Built:
Building Area:

BCI

33 Geremonty Dr
1964
30,248 sq ft

47

Summary: The town hall services as the central location for town operations and public meetings.
Top Deficiencies:
RTU units on roof and the roof itself are nearing end of life
There are no sprinklers in the building
Update the elevator
Update security system

Town Hall

Building Condition Index Rating
Interior

BCI

60
Needs
Carpet in Knightly Meeting Room
New flooring in employee breakroom
Wants
Temperature control in stairwell
Repair cracking in upstairs walls
Replace elevator (from 1980s)

Exterior

45
Needs
Paint the trim

HVAC

45
Needs
Replace four units on the roof - end of life in next 3 years

Plumbing

50
Needs
Address the flushing issues
Pipes within building have build up causing lower water pressure

Electrical

55
Needs
New uniform security system
Replace copper lines with noncopper alternative

IT

55
Wants
Larger space

Structure and Site
20
Needs
Lower level entrance needs repairs
Roof within 5 years
Front entrance needs an ADA ramp
Employee entrance door should be replaced
Wants - Pave parking lot

47

School House No. 5
Location:
6 School St
Year Built:
1900's
Building Area: 2278 sq ft

BCI

48

Summary: School House Number 5 serves as a museum representing a one-room schoolhouse from the 1800s.
The building is not staffed and remains closed during the winter months.
Top Deficiencies:
Inside flooring
Pest control
No plumbing

School House
No. 5

Building Condition Index Rating
Interior

43
Needs
Bow in floor needs to be repaired
Rear wall water sill is rotted
Remediate beetle problem in wood post

Exterior

43
Wants
Minor Trim Work
Roof replacement in a few years

HVAC

N/A
Wants
HVAC for building

Plumbing

N/A
Wants
Building does not have plumbing

Electrical

53
Needs
Telephone line has been chewed
Wants
Upgrade electrical panel (only for addition of HVAC unit)

IT

N/A
Notes
Building has no IT

Structure and Site
No deficiencies noted

53

BCI

48

Hose House 2
Location:
304 Bridge St
Year Built:
1740 - reno early 2000s
Building Area: 9,980 sq ft

BCI

52

Summary: Currently services as a fire museum. In 1905 when Salem Fire was organized this building served as
one of two of the first fire stations in Town.
Top Deficiencies:
Windows and siding need to be replaced
Chimney need to be repointed
Plastering repairs within building

Hose
House 2

Building Condition Index Rating
Interior

BCI

65
Wants
Plastering repairs within the building
Basement flooring is cracked/spongey

Exterior

40
Needs
Siding - scheduled to be replaced in 2025
Chimney needs to be repointed
Windows - schedule to be replaced in 2025
Door clearance/gap on garage door

HVAC

50
Wants
Furnace (end of life in approx. 5 years)

Plumbing

55
Notes
No plumbing. There is town water to irrigate the town common

Electrical

55
No deficiencies noted

IT
Notes
No IT or phone
Structure and Site
No deficiencies noted

45

52

Water Treatment Plant
Location: 161 North Policy
Year Built:
1995
Building Area: 8,076 sq ft

BCI

53

Summary: The Salem Water Treatment Plant was originally designed and built solely for water treatment
operations.
Top Deficiencies:
Building is undersized for current staffing. Distribution staff should be moved out
Structural needs in basement, water weeps through foundation downstairs
Conduit from outside causes leaking in basement

Water
Treatment
Plant

Building Condition Index Rating
Interior

BCI

53

50
Needs
Re-Epoxy the flooring with anti-slip finish in the filter room
Flooring update (original to building)
Wants
Paint and replace office furniture throughout the building

Exterior

57
Needs
New roof, skylights, and flashing around exterior of the building
Replacement of railings
Wants
Double door to the filter room for easier and safer workspace

HVAC

Plumbing

43
Needs
Update Cooling system to the building,
Update dehumidifier in pump area, lower level
Wants
Heat in the lower area of filter gallery
50
Needs
Permanent sump pumps in lower level
Replace brittle Victaulic pipe

Electrical

33
Needs
Repair area where electrical comes in from the generator
Replace exterior and driveway lighting

IT

57
Needs
Add cameras to the exterior of the building overlooking the site
Wants
Upgrade security system for the building

Structure and Site
67
Needs
Foundation repairs in chlorine pump area
Wants
More secure fence around perimeter of building

Senior Center
Location:
Year Built:
Building Area:

BCI

1 Sally Sweets Way
2002

53

Summary: This facility hosts the senior center and the recreation division. This is a community-based facility.
Top Deficiencies:
Outdated HVAC
Front walkway, handrails, windows, and siding need to be replaced
Spray foam issue in attic

Senior
Center

Building Condition Index Rating
Interior

57
Needs
Remediate the spray foam throughout the building
Issue with the front stairwells stair height
Wants
Update flooring throughout building

Exterior

53
Needs
Repair the front handicap ramp and fix handrails
Replace windows and siding due to leaking around windows
Wants
Replace roof

HVAC

Plumbing

40
Needs
Replace/update HVAC as current system is 20 plus years old
70
Needs
Update the fixtures and add handrails
Wants
Update the sprinkler system

Electrical

50
Needs
Update building to LED lighting
Update the Fire Alarm System

IT

63
Needs
Dedicated IT room
Wants
Security camera system
Update of security system

Structure and Site
40
Needs
Guardrail along parking lot
Fix to roof runoff during the winter

BCI

53

Court House
Location:
35 Geremonty Dr
Year Built:
1982
Building Area: 23,000 sq ft

BCI

54

Summary: Used as a rental space for the NH Department of Corrections and Department of Health and Human
Services.
Top Deficiencies:
Sewer line improvements
Improvements to windows
Side of front entrance is collapsing

Court
House

Building Condition Index Rating
Interior

BCI

55
Needs
Jury Room window - bad egress point
Wants
Office for court security officer
Natural gas for building
Updated paint and carpeting

Exterior

55
Needs
Front entrance side if separating from main structure
Window treatments
Wants
Garage entrance pavement trench drain
ADA access from parking lot
New doors and windows

HVAC

57
Wants
Bring natural gas to the building
Better means to control humidity in the building (boiler runs 24/7)

Plumbing

43
Needs
Sewer improvements (sewer main freezes)
Wants
Update plumbing fixtures. Water line elbows are rotting out
Sprinkler system
Ventilation/exhaust in jury room bathroom

Electrical

56
Wants
LED Lighting
Generator

IT

53

Wants
Card access to the building
Structure and Site
61
Wants
Better layout for upper parking lot
New sign out front
Paving of parking lot

54

Alice Hall Library
Location:
312 Main St
Year Built:
1861
Building Area:

BCI

59

Summary: Originally built as a schoolhouse for the town, the building was converted into the town’s first library in
the early 1900s. Today, it serves as a museum showcasing what a library from the 1900s would have looked like.
Top Deficiencies:
Reside and paint (exterior and interior)
Plaster the interior walls
ADA ramp

Alice Hall
Library

Building Condition Index Rating
Interior

63
Needs
Plastering of the walls
Paint
ADA accessible bathroom
Smoke detectors
Wants
Replace flooring
Change out existing ceiling tiles

Exterior

60
Needs
Reside and paint the building
Restore exterior to ornate/historical finishes
Wants
Window replacement

HVAC

50
Wants
Add central air to the building
Update to propane tank and furnace

Plumbing

63
No deficiencies noted

Electrical

63
Wants
Update panel

IT

53
No deficiencies noted

Structure and Site
Wants
ADA ramp for building

63

BCI

59

Central Fire
Location: 327 Main St
Year Built: 1975
1965
Building Area: 27,768 sq ft

BCI

61

Summary: This is the Main St. Fire Station which has 10-17 employees at all times. The apparatus bay houses
2 engines, 3 ambulances, and the squad, medic, and shift commander vehicles.
Top Deficiencies:
The roof is not watertight
Maintenance and upkeep to make livable
Gender specific bathroom on the first floor. It is not ADA compliant

Central Fire

Building Condition Index Rating
Interior

BCI

70
Needs
Gender specific bathroom in common space
Additional Storage (currently has 3 Connex boxes)
Interconnected smoke and carbon detection
Battery operated detectors have been removed in bedrooms where
emergency escape through window is not available
Interior egress doors do not have compliant door hardware
Wants
LED lights
Separate decontamination area
Addition to apparatus bay, currently a lot of work is done outside

Exterior

43
Needs
Roof is over 20 years old, leaks, and is unusually soft/pliable
when walked on in certain areas

HVAC

83
Wants
Bay heater
Better air conditioning for IT room

Plumbing

60

Electrical

57
Needs
Service disconnect lockout
Wants
Modern LED lighting

IT

63
Needs
Larger space for IT equipment (currently in a closet)
Wants
Security cameras
Card access to building

Structure and Site
50
Needs
Resurfacing of parking lot (in 2025 budget)

61

North Fire
Location:
279 N Main St
Year Built:
2005
Building Area:

BCI

62

Summary: The North Fire Station has 3 employees at all times. The apparatus bay houses 2 engines, 1
ambulance, a forestry truck, foam trailer, and all terrain vehicle (ATV).
Top Deficiencies:
Septic System - end of life
Roof (shingle and rubber) - water under seams, water pools, and bubbling
Repaving of parking lot, adding a concrete Pad

North Fire

Building Condition Index Rating
Interior

Exterior

70
Wants
Separate extraction room for gear
Paint in hallways
Gym - issues with climate control and exhaust
Additional shower in front bathroom
40
Needs
New shingle and rubber roof
Wants
Power wash the building

HVAC

87
Needs
None - replaced in 2024

Plumbing

60
Needs
None

Electrical

60
Wants
Upgrade electrical panel
Replace lights to LED lights
New generator and install generator interlock kit
Replace fire panel (20 years old)

IT

63
Wants
Separate IT room
Security Cameras
Card access to building

Structure and Site
Needs
New septic system

57

Wants
Repave the parking lot and add a concrete pad to the front
Metal garage structure (for boat and storage)

BCI

62

Depot Train Station
Location:
Year Built:
Building Area:

BCI

81 Main St
1890 (reno 2000's)
2,404 sq ft

64

Summary: The building currently houses the local Chamber of Commerce and a small museum operated by the
Historical Society.
Top Deficiencies:
Outside stairwell block wall
Downstairs carpet
No security camera for building

Depot Train Station

Building Condition Index Rating
Interior

BCI

64

78
Wants
More storage
Replace carpet downstairs
Paint the downstairs

Exterior

55
Needs
Repairs to exterior staircase which is separating

HVAC

62
Wants
The A/C condenser unit is aging and may require replacement in a few years

Plumbing

67
Wants
Exhaust fan in the bathroom

Electrical

70
Wants
Electrical room is being used for storage and should be cleared out

IT

67
Wants
Security camera system

Structure and Site
50
Needs
Stabilize and repair outside wall along staircase to lower level of property

DPW Building - Out Buildings
Location:
Year Built:
Building Area:

BCI

21 Cross St

68

Summary: Formerly known as Cold Storage, the building has been renovated and enclosed as part of the Police
Department Project and will now serve as equipment storage.
Top Deficiencies:
Cover over materials pile
Bollards for sprinkler system
Inadequate electrical panel

DPW Building - Out
Buildings

Building Condition Index Rating
Interior

BCI

70
Needs
Bollards/jersey barrier for sprinkler system
Wants
Dedicated utility room

Exterior

67
Needs
Cover over materials pile
Reside the salt shed
Note
Roof is in OK condition (approximately 15-16 years old)

HVAC

94
Wants
Wi-Fi for a smart thermostat

Plumbing
Electrical

83
73
Needs
Upgrade panel and service for the building. Note: power comes
from the DPW main building
Wants
Larger electric line to the panel. Note: more power needed due to
conversion to warm storage

IT

46
Wants
Fiber line to building to support computers, security system, and
surveillance cameras

Structure and Site
40
Wants
New siding - current siding is peeling off
Solution for salt shed - deliveries are hitting the top of the building
when dumping
Repave the back area
Lighting for parking lot

68

Old Town Hall
Location:
Year Built:
Building Area:

BCI

310 Main St
1738 - Reno 1900s
2,404 sq ft

68

Summary: The Old Town Hall/Museum has served many purposes for the town over the years. Today, it houses
the town’s museum and has undergone renovations beginning in 2023 to preserve and enhance the historic
Top Deficiencies:
Propane/Modern Furnace (High efficiency)/AC
Roof - close to end of life
Better access to handicapped ramp/walkway

Old Town Hall

Building Condition Index Rating
Interior

73
Wants

Exterior

70
Needs
Roof

HVAC

53
Wants
Upgrade to underground propane
Air Conditioning in second floor

Plumbing

75
Wants

Electrical

73
Wants

IT

70
Needs
Fire Alarm
Wants
Cameras

Structure and Site
63
Needs
Accessible entrance and compaint ramp

BCI

68

Temporary PD
Location:
Year Built:
Building Area:

BCI

21 Cross St
2025
7,726 sq ft

98

Summary: Temporarily houses the police department. It will revert back to the housing the municipal services
department when the police vacate.
Top Deficiencies:
Septic system is close to failing
Finish building as part of phase 2

Temporary
PD

Building Condition Index Rating
Interior

BCI

98
Needs
Complete renovation (phase 2)
Wants
Install two doors from muster room to the bathroom

Exterior

97
Needs
Finish siding the building (3/4 of building was resided).

HVAC

98

Plumbing

97
Needs
Replace septic tank
Wants
Connect to town sewer (sewer would assist with truck wash system)

Electrical

98

IT

98

Structure and Site
97
Needs
Finish site work once the police department has vacated the property
Wants
Parking lot lights for the front of the building

98

2026 Default Budget

• By state statute the default budget is calculated by using the same

2026 Default Budget

2026 Default vs. Operating

appropriations as contained in the operating budget reduced or
increased by:
• Debt Service
• Contracts

• Other obligations previously incurred and mandated by law
• One-time expenditures contained in the operating budget
• Salaries and benefits of positions that have been eliminated in the proposed budget
2/9/2026

2

2026 Default Budget

2026 Default vs. Operating
2026 Default Budget
$
56,673,764

2026 Operating Budget
$
61,982,807

Net Change
$ 5,309,043

Sewer

4,222,916

4,296,940

74,024

Water

5,229,623

5,714,719

485,096

71,994,466

$ 5,868,163

General Fund

Total

2/9/2026

$

66,126,303

$

3

• When you see this figure it’s reasonable to assume that your taxes will

2026 Default Budget

2026 Default vs. Operating
increase by a $5 million appropriation from the prior year budget

• When you review the default compared to proposed operating you only
see one section of the tax rate formula
• Tax Rate Calculation: Net amount to be raised via taxation divided by

assessed value

2/9/2026

4

• Expenditure Budget
• - Revenues

2026 Default Budget

Net Amount to be Raised Via
Taxation

• + Overlay/Credits
• Net Amount to be Raised by Taxes
• The default to operating budget comparison chart only compares
the expenditure budget

2/9/2026

5

• Default budget requires that we reduce the 2025 operating budget by:

2026 Default Budget

2026 Default vs. 2025 Operating

• One-time expenditures contained in the operating budget
• $10,570,101 reduction in the general fund budget
• $936,000 reduction in the sewer fund budget
• $210,082 reduction in the water fund budget

• This is a total of $11,716,183 of one-time appropriations that were included in the 2025
operating budget that are not included in the 2026 default budget
2/9/2026

6

2025 Operating Budget
$
67,009,731

2026 Operating Budget
$
65,787,322

Net Change
$ (1,222,409)

Sewer

4,923,639

4,296,940

(626,699)

Water

5,579,168

5,726,644

147,476

75,810,906

$ (1,701,632)

General Fund

Total

$

77,512,538

$

2026 Default Budget

2025 Operating vs. 2026 Operating

Note: 2026 Operating Budget Assumes All Warrant Articles Pass

2/9/2026

7

• Why is the estimated tax rate going up if the overall total budget including warrant

2026 Default Budget

2025 Operating vs. 2026 Operating
articles is lower?
• The 2026 revenue budget is lower than the 2025 revenue budget
• One time revenue sources in 2025
• $730,000 transfer to offset Bridge St Bridge
• $4,960,000 grant to offset Bridge St Bridge
• Use of Fund balance
• 2025: $5,953,000
• 2026: $3,200,000
2/9/2026

8

• 3,194,674 for the Route 111 & Ermer Road Improvement project

2026 Default Budget

Largest One Time Expenditures in
2026 Proposed Operating
• $281,635 is funded via taxation
• $2,785,207 is offset by a grant
• $127,832 is offset by impact fees

• $1,100,000 for the Lawrence Road and Veterans Memorial Sidewalk Gap
Connection project
• $220,000 is funded via taxation

• $880,000 is offset by a grant
2/9/2026

9

• $895,000 for the Cluff Road Sidewalk Gap Connection project

2026 Default Budget

Largest One Time Expenditures in
2026 Proposed Operating
• $179,000 is funded via taxation
• $716,000 is offset by a grant

• For $5,189,674 worth of capital improvements in the 2026 budget the taxpayers will
fund $680,635. Other funding sources make up the remaining $4,509,039.

2/9/2026

10

2026 DEFAULT BUDGET

Tax Rate Comparison

2026
Default
Budget
Operating Budget Only
Operating and Warrant
Articles

2/9/2026

2026
Proposed
Operating

Tax Rate
Difference

Property
valued at
500,000

5.53

5.63

0.10

50.00

6.07

6.17

0.10

50.00

11

PRESENTATION TITLE

Summary
Although the expenditure budget for the 2026 default budget is lower by $5.8 million the revenue
offset is also reduced. This means that the actual tax rate will not be significantly lower for the
default budget.

2/9/2026

12

2/9/2026

PRESENTATION TITLE

Thank you

13

www.salemnh.gov

SALEM MUNICIPAL SERVICES

21 Cross Street
Salem, NH 03079
TEL: 603-890-2150

ENGINEERING ♦ PUBLIC WORKS ♦ UTILITIES

Wayne S. Amaral, Director

Memorandum

To:
Thru:
From:
cc:

Town Council
Joseph Devine, Town Manager
Wayne S. Amaral, Municipal Services Director
Geoff Benson, Deputy Director
Kimberly Babaian, Business Manager
Date: February 3, 2026
Re:
FY2026 Winter Weather Financial Update as of February 3, 2026

The 2025 / 2026 winter weather season started off much earlier than expected with more events than this
same time last year. Our first weather event occurred on December 1, 2025, and as of this writing, we have
had 29 weather events. The year-to-date snow total is only 10” less than all of last season.
The current winter weather climate consists of longer duration weather events than from the past and this
results in higher plowing and treatment cost. Below, I have summarized the winter weather budget as we
approach the midway point of winter.

Budget History
Account Name

2025 Budget

2026 Budget Request

2026 Actual Budget

Contracted Services 4400

$ 360,000

$ 360,000

$ 235,000

Weather Operations 4983

$ 530,000

$ 530,000

$ 405,000

Winter Weather OT 4098

$ 215,000

$ 222,552

$ 222,552

As shown above, the submitted 2026 Town Operating Budget was reduced by $125,000 in both funding lines
4400 and 4983 to help offset a $ 2,000,000 townwide budget cut. These reductions were decided prior to the
unexpected winter weather we have experienced so far this season.

Current Account Balances (as of February 3, 2026)
Account Name

2026 Budget

Expenditures to Date

Balance

Contracted Services 4400

$ 235,000

$ 95,494.50

$ 139,505.50

Weather Operations 4983

$ 405,000

$ 274,018.48

$ 130,981.52

Winter Weather OT 4098

$ 222,552

$ 104,770.07

$ 117,781.93

\\salthfs01\townmanager\board of selectmen-town council meetings\meeting backup\2026\february 9,
2026\item 10(d) - memo from w. amaral - winter weather funding update.docx

As outlined in the summary above, this has been a costly winter to date and with an estimated 40 days
remaining in winter, we expect the budget will be overspent if the weather conditions continue to follow the
same path and a future request for a transfer from the Winter Reserve Funds will be forthcoming.

For General Information - Breakdown of Cost
1. The estimated material and labor cost to apply one salt treatment townwide.
2. Plowing contractors estimated cost per hour.
3. The estimated town staff hourly labor cost for a snow plowing event. (33 Employees)
(Estimate cost is assuming a 1.5 overtime rate.)

$14,800
$3,400
$1,600

To summarize, we continue to balance the operational and budget challenges of treating winter weather
events, with our primary goal to keep the roadways and sidewalks clear of snow and ice at a level expected by
our residents, at the same time prioritize public safety access at all times.