The Salem Town Council met on Monday, August 3, 2026, at Salem High School. The meeting included the appointment of a new Deputy Town Clerk, the swearing in of four new firefighters, an update on the September State Primary, a presentation on the next phases of the Salem Rail Trail, and several other Town matters.
New Police Station Tour
Before the meeting, the Council toured the new Salem Police Department facility on Veterans Memorial Parkway. Chairman Robert Bryant reported that construction remains under budget and said the Town hopes to provide the public with an opportunity to tour the building before it becomes fully occupied.
The Council may also hold its September 28 meeting in the new Police Department community room, depending on the construction schedule.
Donations Accepted
The Council unanimously accepted the following donations to the Salem Police Department:
- $200 from Service Credit Union for National Night Out
- $5,000 from Standex International for the Police K9 Unit
- $750 from the Salem, NH Lions Club for the Summer Youth Program
Resident Raises Concerns About Gravel Roads
During public comment, a Palm Road resident asked the Town to prioritize the paving of remaining gravel roads. She described ongoing drainage and maintenance concerns on Palm Road, including damage caused by recent heavy rain.
Councilors and staff discussed the significant costs associated with reconstructing gravel roads, particularly when drainage improvements and engineering work are required. The Town Manager, Joe Devine, explained that the Town attempts to address a gravel road every year or every other year when funding allows, but these projects must be balanced with the need to prevent existing paved roads from deteriorating to the point that full reconstruction is required.
The Council requested additional information about the length and potential cost of improvements to Palm Road.
Deputy Town Clerk Appointed
The Council unanimously approved the appointment of Deborah Sweeney as Deputy Town Clerk, effective August 3.
Sweeney was recommended following a competitive recruitment process and brings experience in municipal government and customer service.
September State Primary Update
Town Moderator Bernard Campbell provided an update on the September 8 State Primary and encouraged residents voting by absentee ballot to return their ballots as soon as possible. Because Labor Day falls on Monday, September 7, there will be no mail delivery the day before the election. Absentee ballots must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.
Campbell also issued a call for poll workers for both the September Primary and November General Election. Poll workers are paid $15 per hour, and morning and evening shifts are available. Interested residents may obtain an application through the Town Clerk’s Office or the Town website.
The September 8 election will be New Hampshire’s final State Primary held in September, as future State Primaries will move to June.
Four New Firefighters Sworn In
Fire Chief Craig Lemire introduced four new members of the Salem Fire Department:
- Brian Parker, Badge 279
- Eric Ziffric, Badge 280
- Kyle Murphy, Badge 281
- Troy Jutras, Badge 282
Each firefighter took the oath of office and was joined by a family member for the official badge pinning ceremony.
Chief Lemire also recognized Salem firefighters for their work earlier that day to save a South Broadway business during a fire.
Solid Waste Code Amendments Adopted
The Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2026-15, approving amendments to Chapter 409 of the Salem Municipal Code regarding solid waste.
The Transfer Station Study Committee recommended the revisions to better align the code with current practices and provide greater clarity regarding transfer station operations and regulations.
Water System Cybersecurity Grant Accepted
Following a public hearing, the Council unanimously accepted a $30,000 Community Water Cybersecurity in the Box grant from the Overwatch Foundation in collaboration with the New Hampshire Department of Information Technology and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.
The grant does not require a Town match and will support hardware and software upgrades designed to strengthen the cybersecurity of Salem’s public water system.
Salem Rail Trail Phases 4 and 5 Presented
The Council received a preliminary design presentation for Phases 4 and 5 of the Salem Rail Trail. The approximately one mile project would extend from Main Street to Rockingham Park Boulevard and close the existing gap between completed sections of the trail.
The proposed design includes a 14 foot wide paved path, improved roadway crossings, benches, bicycle racks, landscaping, and approximately 50 trees, subject to funding approval. The project is supported through a federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality grant with an 80 percent federal and 20 percent local funding split.
Construction is currently anticipated to begin in 2027, although the schedule will depend on final design, permitting, funding, and coordination with the New Hampshire Department of Transportation.
Councilors and members of the public discussed pedestrian safety, shade trees, trail maintenance, utility poles, and a culvert beneath the rail corridor near South Broadway. Concerns were raised about completing the trail surface before addressing the undersized culvert. Town staff will continue reviewing the culvert and coordinating with the New Hampshire Department of Transportation as the project advances.
The presentation was held for public input, and no formal Council action was required.
Conservation Easement Tabled
The Council reviewed a proposed conservation easement at 417 South Broadway associated with an addition to Canobie Lake Toyota.
Councilors requested additional documentation, including the legal description, site plan, and information confirming whether the applicable conditions of approval had been completed. The Council unanimously tabled the item until the requested information can be provided.
The item will return for consideration at the September 14 Town Council meeting.
Department of Health and Human Services Lease Approved
The Council unanimously approved a one year lease agreement with the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services for 428 square feet of office space in the lower level of the courthouse at 35 Geremonty Drive.
The lease will run from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027, at an annual rent of $8,947.08. The amount reflects the standard 2 percent increase previously directed by the Council.
Town Manager’s Report
Town Manager Joe Devine shared several community and Town updates.
- The annual Employee Appreciation BBQ will be held on Wednesday, September 9, at noon at the Ingram Senior Center. Town Hall and the Senior Center will close at noon that day.
- The Town is also exploring a food truck pilot program in the leased parking lot on Main Street across from the former Tuscan Kitchen location. Interested vendors will be required to provide the appropriate permits, insurance documentation, and other required information. The pilot will help the Town determine whether there is enough interest to develop a more formal program.
- The annual September 11 Memorial Ceremony will be held at 8:30 a.m. on the Town Common. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
- The Town Manager also reminded residents that Jamestown Canyon virus was recently detected in a mosquito sample collected in Salem. The Town will continue its mosquito monitoring and testing program.
- Residents interested in serving on the Municipal Budget Committee were encouraged to submit an application to the Town Manager’s Office by August 15. Candidate interviews are scheduled for August 20 at 7:00 p.m.
Budget Committee Participation Discussed
The Council considered a request from the Municipal Budget Committee to attend departmental budget presentations earlier in the Town’s budget process.
Following discussion, the Council unanimously agreed that Budget Committee members may attend the presentations to receive the same information provided to the Council. Their attendance will be for presentation purposes, with detailed questions reserved for the Budget Committee’s own meetings. The Council directed the Town Manager to communicate these expectations to the Committee.
Next Meetings
The Town Manager’s Report, agenda, and meeting materials are available on the Town’s website. Town Council meeting recordings are available through Salem Community Television.
The next Town Council meetings are scheduled for September 14 and September 28, 2026.
