The Salem Town Council met on April 20 and addressed a range of items including committee appointments, project updates, lease agreements, and future recreational planning.
The meeting opened with public comment from a resident who thanked the Department of Public Works for its cleanup efforts in the area near Cluff Road and behind Target. Councilors appointed Jeremy Guilbeault to the Economic Development Committee for a term through April 2027.
The Council also approved the final bond sale for the police station construction project. Finance Director Nicole McGee said the Town received eight bids, with the lowest bidder offering a true interest cost of 3.61 percent.
A public hearing was then held regarding a portion of the former Route 97 layout near 354 Main Street. Assistant Town Manager Colleen Mailloux explained that the matter dates back to a road realignment in the late 1950s and the Council voted to formally discontinue that section of the old road layout.
The Council received an update from the Community Services Department, including plans to develop a new department logo with input from seniors, staff, the community, and Salem High School students. Community Services Director Jillian Smith also shared upcoming America’s 250 anniversary activities, including a coloring contest, food drive, road race, family programming, and other events planned throughout the year.
An update was also provided by the Municipal Building Advisory Committee. McGee said the police station project remains on schedule and within budget, while Facilities Foreman James Pacheco reviewed recent building improvements and outlined future facility needs and long term capital planning.
One of the evening’s larger discussions focused on the former wastewater treatment plant property on Sarl Drive. Staff asked the Council whether it would support exploring the site for possible recreational use, including multipurpose fields. Councilors expressed support for studying the concept further, and the Council voted unanimously to authorize staff to move forward with that exploration.
The Council also approved two three-year lease agreements for space at 35 Geremonty Drive, including one with the New Hampshire Department of Administrative Services, Bureau of Court Facilities, and another with the New Hampshire Department of Corrections.
In his Town Manager’s report, Joe Devine addressed recent discussion about police activity at Tuscan Village. He explained that police details on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights are privately funded by businesses at Tuscan Village and that many calls in the area are handled by those officers. He also shared several reminders, including the June 3 food truck festival in honor of 603 Day, the start of street sweeping, National Drug Take Back Day on April 25, the mosquito control program, and the June 2 deadline to declare or change party affiliation ahead of the September primary.
Before adjournment, Councilor Jeff Hatch requested that the Lancaster Fund be placed on a future agenda for discussion. The next Town Council meetings are scheduled for May 4 and May 18.
The Town Manager’s Report is available to view on the Town Website. The complete Town Council meeting, agenda and materials, are available to view online, along with the Town Council Town Council meeting recording.
