The Salem Town Council met on Monday, June 1, 2026, to recognize community achievements, consider several financial and policy matters, discuss the proposed reconstruction of the South Fire Station, and receive updates on ongoing Town projects.
Town Welcomes New Human Resources Director
Town Manager Joe Devine formally introduced Rebekah McGuire as Salem’s new Human Resources Director.
McGuire has served as the Town’s Human Resources Specialist for approximately 18 months and has acted as Interim Human Resources Director since October. During that time, she led the department, supported Town employees, managed recruitment and benefits, and helped maintain continuity of operations.
She brings extensive human resources experience from both the public and private sectors and holds the globally recognized SHRM Senior Certified Professional designation. The credential is awarded to experienced HR professionals who lead strategic initiatives, develop workplace policies, oversee HR operations, and align human resources practices with an organization’s goals.
Council Recognizes Two Eagle Scouts
The Town Council presented certificates of achievement to Eagle Scouts Curtis Hall and Mike Tomaselli.
Hall was recognized for building and donating picnic tables to Silverthorne Adult Day Care. His scouting career began in 2022, and he earned 47 merit badges before achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.
Tomaselli was recognized for refurbishing military markers at Pine Grove Cemetery. His scouting career began in 2014, and he earned 24 merit badges before achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.
The Council congratulated both Scouts on their service and accomplishments.
Route 111 and Ermer Road Project Funding Transfer Approved
The Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2026-10, authorizing the transfer of $281,635 from the General Fund to the Capital Projects Fund for the Route 111 and Ermer Road Intersection Improvements Project.
Finance Director Nicole McGee explained that the transfer will allow the entire project to be accounted for within one capital project fund. The Council also waived the requirement for a second reading.
Outside Human Services Agency Funding Policy Moves Forward
The Council held its first reading of proposed updates to the Town’s Outside Human Services Agency Funding Policy.
The proposed policy would establish clearer eligibility requirements and measurable service benchmarks for outside agencies requesting inclusion in the Town budget. Agencies would be required to demonstrate that they serve Salem residents, provide services that benefit residents or reduce Town expenditures, and maintain a collaborative relationship with the Town’s Human Services Department.
Funding requests would also need to identify specific services and expected outcomes, such as the number of meals, rides, or other services that would be provided to Salem residents. Payments would be tied to the completion of those benchmarks.
Agencies currently included in the Town budget would be required to submit a new proposal through this process for consideration in the 2027 budget. The Council unanimously scheduled a second reading for June 15, 2026.
Tax Exemption Approved for New Childcare Facility
Following a public hearing, the Council unanimously approved a commercial and industrial property tax exemption for a proposed childcare facility at 142 Main Street, the former Rite Aid building.
The proposed 11,000-square-foot Goddard School facility would accommodate up to 142 students and include a 4,000-square-foot outdoor playground, landscaping improvements, facade enhancements, and restored pedestrian connections.
Town staff determined that the project meets the requirements of Salem’s Commercial and Industrial Property Tax Exemption Program by supporting economic growth, increasing the tax base, preventing or eliminating blight, and retaining or creating local employment opportunities.
Economic Development Committee Bylaws Updated
The Council unanimously approved amendments to the Economic Development Committee’s bylaws.
The updates reduce the committee’s membership from eight members to seven, remove language regarding co-chairs, incorporate the Council’s recently adopted attendance policy, and clarify the process for future bylaw amendments.
The Economic Development Committee unanimously recommended the changes at its May 19 meeting.
Council Supports Continued Planning for South Fire Station Reconstruction
The Municipal Building Advisory Committee presented an overview of the proposed South Fire Station reconstruction project and requested the Council’s support to continue preparing the project for possible inclusion on the 2027 Town Meeting ballot.
The existing station was constructed in 1974 and no longer meets the operational needs of the Fire Department. Concerns identified during the presentation included:
- An undersized apparatus bay that requires specially sized fire engines
- Insufficient living, office, storage, and technology space
- No gender-specific restrooms or showers
- Accessibility limitations, including no accessible public entrance, restroom, elevator, or designated parking space
- Aging plumbing, electrical, roofing, heating, ventilation, and emergency lighting systems
- Asbestos-containing flooring
- Inadequate separation between living areas and spaces used to clean contaminated firefighting equipment
The Town previously determined that constructing a new station would be more practical and cost-effective than renovating the existing facility.
The project remains in the design phase, and a final cost has not been established. A preliminary estimate of approximately $10 million was used to illustrate potential financing impacts. Available funding sources may include approximately $1.3 million in public safety impact fees, the Public Safety Improvement Trust, and bonding.
The Council voted to endorse continued planning for the project and authorized the Municipal Building Advisory Committee and Fire Department to begin public outreach. The vote does not constitute final approval to place the project on the ballot. Further design work, cost estimates, budget discussions, and Council action will be required.
Town Manager’s Report
Town Manager Joe Devine provided several community and operational updates:
Technology and Network Improvements
The Town added a second internet service provider to improve network reliability and maintain operations during a service outage. Staff are also exploring a possible satellite-based third connection to provide additional redundancy for Town Hall and public safety departments.
Salem Housing Authority Funding
The Salem Housing Authority is receiving $3 million in congressionally directed funding through Senator Jeanne Shaheen’s office to support the new Millville Arms development and expand workforce housing opportunities.
Property Tax Bills
The Town’s 2026 first installment property tax bills have been mailed. Payments are due on or before July 1, 2026.
Residents who have questions or do not receive their bill should contact the Tax Collector’s Office.
Hedgehog Park Opening Delayed
The seasonal opening of Hedgehog Park has been postponed until Saturday, June 20, 2026, while construction continues.
Work includes improvements to the new pavilion, installation of its base flooring, and construction of a new accessible trail. The basketball courts remain available, but access to the pond area is restricted until the park officially opens.
Bridge Street Bridge Project Remains on Schedule
Town officials confirmed that the Bridge Street Bridge Project remains on schedule. Municipal Services is also exploring plans for a ceremonial first vehicle crossing when the bridge reopens.
Public Works Recognized for Water Main Break Response
Councilor Cathy Stacey thanked the Public Works employees and Salem Police officers who responded to a recent water main break.
She recognized staff for their professionalism, traffic management, and work to keep the surrounding area safe during the response.
Upcoming Meetings
The Town Manager’s Report is available on the Town website. Full meeting recordings are available through Salem Community Television, agenda and meeting materials are available online.
The Town Council’s next scheduled meeting is Monday, June 15, 2026.
