The Salem Town Council met on Monday, April 6, 2026, at Salem High School for a meeting that included board and committee appointments, adoption of a new Finance Committee, two public hearings on tax exemption requests, presentation of the 2026 Resident Survey results, authentication of the 2026 Charter Amendments, and updates from Town Manager, Joe Devine.

The meeting also included recognition of April’s Employee of the Month, Tom Giarrosso, Executive Director of Salem Community Television. Council Chair Robert Bryant recognized Giarrosso for more than 20 years of service to the community, including his work producing local programming, supporting the What’s Up Salem podcast, and mentoring Salem High School students through the film club.

The Council approved several appointments to Town boards, committees, and commissions.

• Alan Lord and Glen Reynolds were appointed to the Conservation Commission.
• Kaitlynn Caravoulias and Richard Dobzelecki were appointed to the Economic Development Committee.
• Caravoulias and Donna Loranger were appointed to the Ethics Committee.
• Beverly Glynn and Brandilynn Feeney were appointed to the Historic District Commission
• Ginny Consoli was appointed to the Housing Authority
• Tom Woelfel, Kevin Richard, and Richard Murray were appointed to the Recreation Advisory Committee.

These appointments filled several current vacancies across Town boards and committees.

The Council also adopted Resolution No. 2026-08, formally establishing an advisory Finance Committee. The committee will serve in an advisory role to the Town Council on matters related to financial planning, fiscal policy, and the Town’s annual operating budget. The new committee will consist of three voting members appointed by the Council.

Under new business, the Council voted to revoke and reaccept a Police Department grant from the New Hampshire Department of Safety for mobile data terminals and related equipment. The updated action combined prior approvals into a total grant amount of $59,297.40 for mobile data terminals and e-crash equipment. The grant will support the purchase of tablets, docking stations, printers, adapter plates, and barcode scanners.

The Council then held two public hearings under Salem’s Commercial and Industrial Property Tax Exemption Program for projects within Tuscan Village. The first application, for the Building 1300 Parking Garage at 24 Via Toscana, was denied after discussion on whether the project met the program’s public benefit requirements. Staff had recommended denial, and the Council voted 6-3 to deny the request.

The second application, for the Jewel Buildings North at 21 Artisan Drive, was approved unanimously. Staff recommended approval, finding that the two new commercial buildings met the program’s criteria by supporting economic growth and job creation. The proposal includes a 3,800-square-foot retail building with a restaurant and a 7,500-square-foot two-story retail building, with approximately 22 projected jobs when fully occupied.

Town Manager Joe Devine presented the results of the Town’s 2026 Resident Survey, which received 316 responses. Survey feedback showed that taxes, infrastructure, financial management, traffic, and growth remain key concerns for residents. At the same time, respondents identified public safety, quality of life, and sense of community among Salem’s greatest strengths. The survey also highlighted interest in sidewalks, pedestrian improvements, recreational opportunities, and stronger communication with residents. The results were presented for informational purposes and will help guide future planning and decision-making.

The Council also voted to authenticate the 2026 Charter Amendments approved by voters at the March 10, 2026, election, while noting that Charter Amendment No. 2, Article 3 did not pass.

During his report, Town Manager Joe Devine shared several updates with the Council and the public. He announced that the Town has transitioned its Municipal Code from a third-party hosting platform to a new in-house webpage on the Town website, allowing for quicker, more efficient, and more cost-effective updates.

Devine also reported that Salem’s 2025 median equalization ratio is 70.5 percent, which will be considered as part of future revaluation planning. Residents were reminded that the annual hydrant flushing program began the week of April 6 and will continue on Tuesday evenings over the next several weeks.

He also reminded residents that dog licenses are due by April 30, 2026. In response to recent inquiries about the annual Rabies Clinic, Devine noted that the clinic was historically hosted by the Lions Club in conjunction with the Town. The Town will not be able to offer the clinic in 2026, but staff are exploring possible partnership opportunities for 2027.

Volunteers are also needed for the Town’s annual roadside litter cleanup effort. Residents interested in joining this year’s cleanup effort can contact Lisa Perry at the Municipal Services Department for more information or to sign up. Lisa can be reached at 603-890-2150 or via email at lperry@salemnh.gov.

Devine shared that Salem has once again received a AAA bond rating. He also updated the Council on Tuscan Village’s pledged public safety contribution, noting that another $1 million payment is expected by the end of the current fiscal year, with the remaining $1 million balance anticipated by the end of the next fiscal year.

The Town Manager’s Report is available to view on the Town Website. The complete Town Council meeting, including all discussion and presentations, is available to view online, along with the Town Council meeting materials and the April 6, 2026 Town Council meeting recording.