If you weren’t able to tune in to the March 2, 2026, Salem Town Council meeting, here are some of the key highlights and updates discussed during the evening.

Employee of the Year Recognition

The Town Council recognized Crayton Brubaker, Community Development Program Manager, as the Town of Salem’s 2025 Employee of the Year. Crayton was selected from among the Town’s Employee of the Month recipients after the Council reviewed nominations highlighting the impact employees have across departments.

In his role, Crayton serves as staff liaison to numerous boards and committees including the Communications Committee, Conservation Commission, Depot Village Advisory Committee, Economic Development Committee, Capital Improvement Program Committee, and the 275th Anniversary Commission.

Council members noted that his professionalism, responsiveness, and dedication have helped support several major planning initiatives including the Depot Village Plan, Recreation Master Plan, and the ongoing Open Space Plan. He has also played an important role in strengthening communication with residents by assisting departments with website improvements and supporting outreach efforts through Town Hall Times and the Town’s social media platforms. The Council congratulated Crayton and thanked him for his continued commitment to the Town of Salem.

Proposed Attendance Policy for Boards and Committees

The Council held the first reading of Resolution 2026-07, which proposes a new policy addressing attendance expectations for members of Town boards, committees, and commissions. The draft policy would establish clear participation guidelines for appointed members. Under the proposal, members who are absent for three consecutive meetings or more than 50% of meetings within a calendar year could be recommended for removal unless there are extenuating circumstances or prior approval from the board or committee chair. Town staff explained that the goal of the policy is not punitive, but rather to ensure boards and committees can function effectively with active participation from members. The Council voted to move the policy forward to a second reading scheduled for March 16, 2026.

Conservation Fund Grant Accepted

The Council approved the acceptance of a $550 grant from the New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP).The annual grant is related to a previous land acquisition project in the Town Forest and will be deposited into the Town’s Conservation Fund to support conservation efforts.

Economic Development Committee Transportation Update

Members of the Economic Development Committee (EDC) shared an update on recent transportation initiatives and research.

Transportation Survey Results

The committee conducted a community transportation survey in late 2025, receiving 152 responses. Key findings included:

• 43% of respondents said they were not aware of available public transportation services
• 22% said they prefer to drive
• Other respondents cited limited routes, inconvenient schedules, or stops that are too far away.

The survey also indicated strong interest in expanded transportation options, improved pedestrian infrastructure, and better connectivity across town.

Proposed Public Transit Pilot

The committee is also working with Merrimack Valley Transit (MeVa) to launch a one-year pilot bus service connecting Salem with the regional transit system in Massachusetts.

The proposed service would include stops at Tuscan Village and nearby areas, allowing riders to connect to other regional routes and the MBTA commuter rail in Lawrence.

Importantly, the pilot program would be funded through a Massachusetts Department of Transportation grant, meaning no Salem taxpayer funding would be required during the first year.

The anticipated launch date for the pilot service is April 2026.

Reminder: Town Election on March 10, 2026

Town Manager Joe Devine reminded residents that the Town Election will take place on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, with polls open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Residents will be voting on both the Town and School District budgets, along with other ballot items.

Due to recent redistricting, some polling locations have changed. Residents are encouraged to check the Town website or contact the Town Clerk’s Office to confirm their polling location before heading out to vote.

The four polling locations for this year’s election are:

• Woodbury Middle School
• North Salem Elementary School
• Fisk Elementary School
• Barron Elementary School

Election results will be reported at Town Hall as they come in throughout the evening.

Town Manager Updates

The Town Manager also shared several updates for the community:

• The Town recently received $45,980 in charitable gaming host community fees, bringing the total to nearly $90,000 over the past two years. Staff will bring recommendations to the Council on how these funds could best benefit the community.
• The 2026 Resident Survey received 316 responses, with congestion and infrastructure improvements among the most frequently mentioned concerns. Results will be presented to the Council later this spring.
• The Recreation Department is currently accepting applications for summer employment and registrations for summer camp programs.

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 March 2, 2026, Town Council meeting recording.