On January 14, 2026, the Salem Town Council met at Salem High School to consider a range of items impacting public safety, recreation, and community services. The meeting included action on warrant articles for the March Town Meeting, new agreements with community partners, and updates on upcoming public engagement opportunities.

Fire Department Equipment Advances to Town Meeting
The Council voted unanimously to place a $1.35 million lease-purchase agreement for a new fire engine and related equipment on the March Town Meeting warrant as Warrant Article 7. The proposed five-year agreement includes a first-year appropriation of $295,000 and requires a three-fifths majority for approval. Town Manager Joe Devine explained that the lease-to-own structure supports long-term planning for the Fire Department’s fleet replacement needs.

Rail Trail Preservation Fund Established
Councilors adopted Resolution 2026-01, creating the Salem Rail Trail Preservation Expendable Trust Fund. Developed in collaboration with local donors and trail advocates, the fund will be used to address major maintenance and repair needs that exceed annual operating budgets.

During public comment, residents and members of the Friends of the Salem Bike-Ped Corridor highlighted ongoing challenges along the trail, including root damage and drainage issues. The new trust fund will allow the Town to proactively invest in preserving the Rail Trail’s condition and accessibility for years to come.

Morse Field Management Agreement Approved
Through Resolution 2026-02, the Council approved a three-year agreement with the Salem Youth Soccer Association to manage and maintain Morse Field near Soule School. The agreement formalizes field use and assigns maintenance responsibilities to the organization. Councilors also emphasized the importance of ensuring Town-owned recreational spaces remain consistent with community expectations and public use.

Council Discusses Citizen Petitions for Nonprofit Funding
The Council reviewed four citizen-submitted warrant articles requesting municipal funding for local nonprofit organizations. All four petitions will appear on the March ballot, with the following outcomes:

• Isaiah 58 NH ($10,000): Forwarded without recommendation
• Salem Family Resources ($10,000): Forwarded without recommendation
• The Upper Room ($7,500): Forwarded without recommendation
• Field of Dreams ($10,000): Forwarded with recommendation

Discussion reflected differing viewpoints on how nonprofit services should be supported, with several councilors noting a preference for future funding requests to be tied to formal service agreements or contracts.

Additional Actions and Announcements

• Authorization was granted to close out grant documentation for Phase 6 of the Rail Trail project.
• Councilors were assigned to represent specific warrant articles at the January 31 Deliberative Session.
• The Town recognized Police Dispatchers for exemplary service.
• Town Hall will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Town Manager Joe Devine also highlighted several upcoming opportunities for public participation:

• Economic Revitalization Zone public information session: January 20 at 5:30 p.m.
• Cocoa with the Council: January 20 at 8:30 a.m.
• Filing period for elected positions: January 21–30
• Warrant Article Q&A Session: January 28 at 6:00 p.m.

Looking Ahead
The Town Council meeting originally scheduled for January 26, 2026, has been postponed to Monday, February 2, 2026, at 6:15 p.m. at Salem High School. The Deliberative Session will take place on January 31, 2026. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate as the Town prepares for the March election.