The Salem Town Council held its July 6, 2026, meeting at the Old Town Hall, offering residents a chance to see the Council conduct business in one of Salem’s most historic buildings. Council Chair Robert Bryant opened the meeting by thanking the Salem Historical Society and the volunteers who have helped restore and preserve the building.

Brian Flanagan, President of the Salem Historical Society, also welcomed the Council and thanked the Town for its support throughout the restoration process. He encouraged residents to learn more about the Historical Society and consider volunteering.

July Employee of the Month Recognized

Town Manager Joe Devine announced Heather McGowan as Salem’s July Employee of the Month.

Heather was recognized for her dedication, professionalism, and steady support in the Collections and Town Clerk’s offices during a year of many changes. Although she works part-time, Heather has gone above and beyond by assisting residents, helping train new employees, and supporting her coworkers whenever needed.

The Town Council congratulated Heather and thanked her for her commitment to public service.

Council Approves Consent Agenda and Donations

The Council approved the June 15, 2026, public session meeting minutes and the July 6 consent agenda. The Council also acknowledged several generous donations, including:

• Human Services Department: Market Basket gift cards from the Salem Women’s Club;
• Community Services Department: Financial donations totaling $111;Rubber playground mats for Hedgehog Park from the Friends of Salem Recreation; Flowers and plantings for Hedgehog Park from the Salem Garden Club; and,
• Police Department: $500 from Rockland Trust for National Night Out.

Board and Commission Appointments

The Council appointed William ‘Bill’ Georato as an alternate member of the Conservation Commission, with a term ending in April 2028.

The Council also appointed Jubilee Oberlander as a regular member of the Historic District Commission, with a term ending in April 2029.

Council members thanked the residents who continue to volunteer their time to serve on Town boards and commissions.

Fire Engine Lease Agreement Authorized

The Council approved Resolution 2026-13, authorizing a lease agreement for a new fire engine/pumper and related equipment.

The purchase was previously approved by voters under Warrant Article 7 at the 2026 Town Meeting. The lease agreement with All American Investment Group, LLC is for a five-year term with a principal amount of $1,109,538 and annual payments of $243,607.34.

The Council also waived the requirement for a second reading, allowing the resolution to take effect upon passage.

Commercial Tax Credit Program Item Suspended

The Council voted to suspend consideration of Resolution 2026-14, related to the Community Development Department’s commercial tax credit program criteria.

The item is expected to be returned for discussion at a September meeting.

Solid Waste Code Amendments Move to Second Reading

Assistant Town Manager Colleen Mailloux provided an update on proposed amendments to Chapter 409 of the Salem Municipal Code, which relates to solid waste.

The proposed changes are housekeeping updates intended to align the code with current practice. One of the more notable changes would remove the small business hauler provision, as there have not been any users operating under that provision in recent years. Concerns were also noted regarding the ability to confirm whether waste brought in by those users was generated in Salem, as required by the Town’s transfer station permit.

The Council recognized July 6, 2026, as the first reading for Resolution 2026-15. A second reading is scheduled for August 3, 2026.

Conservation Commission Accepts Donation

The Council voted to authorize the Conservation Commission to accept a $2,000 donation from Edward Hawkins. The donation will be deposited into the Conservation Fund.

Town officials noted that Mr. Hawkins generously donates to the Conservation Fund each year.

 Historic District Commission Rules of Procedure Discussed

Planning Director Jacob LaFontaine provided an update on amendments to the Historic District Commission’s rules of procedure.

The Historic District was established by Town Meeting in 1965, and the Commission operated for many years with limited procedural guidance. The updated rules are intended to create a more formal and predictable review process for applicants and the Commission.

The updates include application procedures, review criteria, and changes to the Commission’s structure. The Commission has also increased from six to seven regular members and added two alternate positions to help with quorum.

The Historic District Commission is also working on separate design guidelines to further support future review of projects within the district.

Water Restriction Update

Municipal Services Director Wayne Amaral provided an update on the Town’s mandatory water restriction, which was implemented by the Council on May 4.

Amaral reported that the Town has seen a reduction in water usage as residents adjust to the restrictions. He explained that the decision to move directly to a mandatory restriction, rather than starting with a voluntary restriction, has helped place the Town in a stronger position heading into the remainder of the summer and fall.

The Town has also increased its intake from regional water, helping maintain water levels in Canobie Lake. As of July 2, Canobie Lake was holding at 17.82 feet.

The Town has identified approximately three hundred potential users who may not be following the restrictions. Second notices, which include fines, are beginning to be sent to those users.

Residents are reminded to follow the mandatory water restriction rules and adjust sprinklers to avoid wasting water on streets, sidewalks, or driveways.

Traffic Safety Updates

The Council received updates on two intersections.

For North Main Street at Bluff Street/Bluff Street Extension, Amaral reported that existing flashing lights, signs, and advance warning signs are working properly. After reviewing the intersection, he recommended no additional action at this time, though the Town will continue to monitor the area.

Council members discussed concerns about driver behavior and requested additional police enforcement in the area, particularly during busier traffic periods.

For the intersection of Hampstead Road, Shannon Road, and Town Farm Road, Amaral reported that the area sees approximately 12,000 vehicles per day. A traffic study found that the intersection met three of the five warrants for an all-way stop, including crash history, sight line concerns, and traffic volume.

Due to the number of correctable crashes, Amaral recommended installing an all-way stop at the intersection. Council members acknowledged that the change may create delays but discussed the need to balance traffic flow with public safety.

Town Manager’s Report

Community Choice Aggregation Update

Town Manager Joe Devine provided an update on Salem’s Community Choice Aggregation program.

Residents participating in the program are currently paying a default rate of 11.18 cents per kilowatt-hour. Devine noted that Liberty’s new default supply rate is expected to be 15.8 cents per kilowatt-hour as of August 1, meaning participants in the Community Choice Aggregation program are seeing significant savings.

Approximately 1,700 new residents and businesses will be receiving notices with information about opting into the program. Existing participants will not receive the notice.

Regional Water Discussions Underway

Devine also reported that Town staff have begun discussions with Manchester Water Works regarding the Southern Interconnect Agreement.

The Town is currently in year eight of a ten-year agreement. Staff are beginning discussions early due to future rate changes and the Town’s interest in potentially purchasing additional water from Manchester to help preserve reserves in Canobie Lake and Arlington Pond during off-season months.

 FY 2027 Budget Process Begins

The Town has begun the FY 2027 budget process, with the first Finance Committee meeting held on July 1.

Devine asked the Council for guidance on budget expectations. Council members noted the need to keep increases as low as possible, especially following a difficult budget year and with upcoming debt service costs.

Devine stated that the Town will work to keep the budget increase as low as possible while accounting for inflationary costs and necessary obligations.

Capital Project Updates

The Town Manager provided updates on several capital projects.

Construction activity for the Ermer Road project has begun, and residents should expect to see construction signs, lane shifts, and delays in the area over the coming weeks.

The Bridge Street Bridge project is also moving forward. The Town has been advised that substantial completion is still expected before winter, though the project has experienced some delays due to water in the work area.

WaterSmart Customer Portal May Be Discontinued

Devine informed the Council that the Town may discontinue the WaterSmart customer portal due to low usage.

Only approximately 10 percent of users currently use the service, while the cost to maintain it is substantial. Because of the limited usage, the Town does not see enough value in continuing to pay for the service.

Additional Council Updates

Councilor Cathy Stacey raised concerns from residents regarding conditions in the older section of Mount Pleasant Cemetery, including grass, dust, and road conditions. The matter will be brought back to Municipal Services for review.

Councilor Keith Stramaglia asked about the former swap area at the Transfer Station, where residents could leave items for others to take. Town staff explained that the area is not expected to return due to concerns about unusable items, cleanup, and management.

Council members also briefly discussed the Thomas School sign and noted that work is expected to continue that item.

Upcoming 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 meeting is scheduled for August 3, 2026, at Salem High School. Additional meetings are scheduled for September 14 and September 28, 2026.