The Salem Town Council met on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Salem High School. The meeting included approvals of prior meeting minutes, updates on Town projects, discussion and action on exemption limits, Field of Dreams, water restrictions, roadway funding, winter operations, litter cleanup, and several items in the Town Manager’s Report.
Meeting Minutes and Consent Agenda
The Council approved the meeting minutes from January 31, 2026, and the April 20, 2026, public session. Both votes passed 7 to 0. The Council also approved the May 4, 2026, consent agenda by a vote of 7 to 0.
Memorial Rock at Millville Beach
Councilor Paul Pelletier provided an update regarding a memorial rock located at the Salem Millville Beach area. The rock includes a plaque dedicated to Jimmy Rae and his family, as well as friends of Jimmy Rae, who was remembered as someone who helped families around the lakeside area.
Councilor Pelletier explained that the rock is currently located in an area that has become overgrown over time. Members of the Recreation Department, Community Development Department, and Councilor Pelletier reviewed a new proposed location for the rock, where it would be more visible and better protected by the trees.
Merrill Excavation offered to move the rock as a community project. The Council voted 7 to 0 to allow Merrill Excavation to move the memorial rock to its new location. The Council also asked that Merrill Excavation receive a thank you note for their work.
Adjustment to Exemption Limits
Chief Assessor Jon Duhamel presented a recommendation to update the exemption limits for elderly, blind, and disabled residents.
Mr. Duhamel explained that the Town is undergoing a revaluation update in 2026 and is anticipating an approximate 30 percent increase in assessed property values, though the increase will vary by property. To help offset that change, he recommended increasing the exemption amounts by 30 percent.
He also explained that some residents no longer qualify for exemptions because their income now exceeds the current thresholds. Since the last update, the median income in Salem has increased, including for residents age 65 and older. As part of the recommendation, Mr. Duhamel proposed a 16 percent increase to the income and asset limits. He explained that the goal is to help prevent residents from losing eligibility again in the future. By adjusting the limits now, more qualifying residents would be able to remain eligible rather than falling off the official list and needing to reapply later.
Councilwoman Bonnie Wright clarified that while property values are expected to increase as part of the reassessment, that does not automatically mean property taxes will increase or decrease by the same amount. She explained that a higher assessed value does not necessarily mean the tax rate will change for the second tax bill in 2026.
The Town Manager noted that this update is intended to serve as a stopgap measure because the Town has not changed these limits in five years. He explained that 26 percent of applicants did not qualify this year because they narrowly exceeded the current income limits. The Council voted 7 to 0 to approve the following increases in income and asset limits for elderly, blind, and disabled exemptions:
- Single income limit from $41,000 to $47,560
- Married income limit from $55,000 to $63,800
- Asset limit from $140,000 to $162,400
- Elderly exemption for ages 65 to 74 from $120,000 to $156,000
- Elderly exemption for ages 75 to 79 from $180,000 to $234,000
- Elderly exemption for ages 80 and older from $245,000 to $318,500
- Blind exemption from $130,000 to $169,000
- Disabled exemption from $120,000 to $156,000
Field of Dreams Management Agreement Addendum
Assistant Town Manager Colleen Mailloux presented an addendum to the Field of Dreams Management Agreement.
The Town has an existing management agreement with Field of Dreams, which manages the playground and park property. Under the current agreement, Field of Dreams is not permitted to sublet or assign use of the property to third parties. However, third party use has occurred at the property.
The proposed addendum creates guidelines for third party use through the remainder of the current agreement, which expires in February 2027. The addendum includes requirements related to insurance, certificates of insurance, indemnification of the Town, and written Town approval before third party use may proceed.
Examples of third-party events mentioned during the meeting included:
- Events by Salem Family Resources include a 5k run, walk that’s at the park;
- Make A Wish Foundation charity motorcycle ride; and,
- The Salem Women’s Club events
The Council discussed several items, including small events, larger events, food trucks, liquor licensing, public access to the park during events, and whether future management agreements should be reviewed more broadly.
After discussion and public comment, the Council voted 7 to 0 to approve the addendum to the Field of Dreams Management Agreement and authorized the Town Manager to sign it on behalf of the Town.
Mandatory Lawn Irrigation Water Restrictions
Municipal Services Director Wayne Amaral presented a request for water restrictions due to current drought conditions and reservoir levels.
The original request was for voluntary lawn irrigation restrictions. Under the proposal, lawn watering by manual or automatic sprinklers would be limited to odd numbered days between midnight and 10:00 a.m.
Mr. Amaral explained that the Town uses several methods to evaluate water supply, including a model developed by Weston and Sampson, routine measurements of Canobie Lake, and drought information from the National Integrated Drought Information System. At the time of the meeting, Canobie Lake was below predicted levels but still above the voluntary restriction level.
The Town Manager stated that the Town had received updated drought monitoring information earlier that day, showing Salem had moved from abnormally dry conditions into drought conditions.
During discussion, several Councilors expressed concern that voluntary restrictions may not be effective. Utility staff also discussed Arlington Pond, Canobie Lake, and the use of regional water.
Public comment was provided by Tanya Donnelly, the president of the Canobie Lake Protective Association, who supported mandatory restrictions and encouraged the Town to make use of regional water.
The Council ultimately voted 7 to 0 to adopt mandatory lawn irrigation water restrictions, effective May 15, 2026.
The restrictions apply to outside watering of lawns by manual or automatic sprinklers. Lawn irrigation will be permitted only between 12:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on odd numbered days. The restrictions will remain in place until abnormally dry conditions improve, or water levels increase to the satisfaction of the Town Council.
Roadway Improvement Funding
The Council considered a disbursement of $3 million from the roadway improvement capital reserve fund for the 2026 road construction and engineering program. Mr. Amaral explained that the funding is consistent with Article 9 of the 2026 Town Meeting warrant and was recommended by the Roadway Stabilization Committee on April 24. The list of roads has not changed since it was presented during the Town Meeting process.
The 2026 program includes mill and overlays work, crack sealing, the rubber chip program, and an updated PCI inventory of the Town’s roadways. Mr. Amaral noted that full-deep construction is not included this year due to budget reductions.
The Council voted 7 to 0 to authorize the $3 million disbursement for the 2026 road construction and engineering program.
Winter Operations Update
Deputy Director of Public Works Geoff Benson provided an update on the 2025 to 2026 winter operations season.
Mr. Benson said the season was more challenging than the previous year. Salem recorded 83 inches of snow this year compared to 55 inches last year. There were 39 primary events, 25 secondary side road events, 15 plowing events, and several ice events.
He also noted that the Town had 69 available personnel, one vacant position, and 57 pieces of equipment. He highlighted the teamwork between Public Works and the Utilities Department and recognized the work of staff throughout the winter season.
Mr. Amaral reviewed winter operations costs, including contracted services, operations, salt, and overtime. He explained that long duration storms, including 24 hour and 36-hour storms, have a significant impact on overtime and operations costs.
Councilors thanked the Town staff involved in winter operations and praised their work keeping roads clear and safe.
Litter Cleanup Update
Mr. Benson also provided an update on the Town’s annual litter cleanup.
He explained that once winter ends, litter along the roads becomes more visible. The Town typically conducts its annual cleanup during the first week of April. The Town receives blue bags through the Litter Free New Hampshire program.
Over the last nine years, Salem has collected 29.8 tons of litter. This year, crews collected 3.65 tons of trash and covered approximately 53 miles of roads.
Mr. Benson also thanked the many volunteers and community partners who assisted, including Ray Hurteau, Marlena Minnon, Jen Alexa, Jovin Ciarletta, Nicole Sampinato, Aimee Cozza, Sara Wuluff, Heather Bonarrigo, Tuscan Village, the Salem Area Women’s Club, the Salem Lions Club, Girl Scout Troop 58720, Boy Scout Troop 409, Cub Scout Pack 160, Novia Corp., and all others who volunteered their time.
Traffic Concern Near Barnes and Noble
Council Chairman Robert Bryant raised a concern about traffic near Barnes and Noble and the new island that prevents U turns. He said traffic has been backing up behind nearby businesses as drivers try to navigate the area. He asked the Town Manager to review whether signage or other adjustments could be considered.
Town Manager’s Report
Town Manager Joseph Devine provided several updates during his report.
The Council selected January 30, 2027, as the date for the 2027 Deliberative Session. The Town Manager recommended the earlier date so that February 6 could be available as a backup in the event of snow.
The Town Manager also shared that the Town is moving forward with work related to financial software. BerryDunn has been working with the Town to prepare the request for proposals. The full software package is expected to involve a phased buildout over approximately three years.
The Town’s 2025 audit is ongoing, with field visits expected to take place the following week. The goal is to have the audit completed by September 30.
The Town will host an accessory dwelling unit seminar with Merrimack Valley Savings Bank on May 27 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Knightly Meeting Room at Town Hall. The seminar will cover permitting, financing, ownership strategies, design, and related questions.
The Town Manager also noted that the 2026 revaluation process is moving forward on schedule. Notices are expected to go out around mid-July to early August. In the fall, property owners will have the opportunity to meet with the revaluation company if they wish to discuss their values.
The Memorial Day event will take place on Monday, May 25, beginning at Pine Grove Cemetery at 10:30 a.m., followed by a walk up Main Street to the Town Common for an 11:00 a.m. ceremony.
The Town Manager also recognized several observances in May, including Public Service Recognition Week, National Police Week, International Firefighters Day, and Municipal Clerks Week. A local National Police Week ceremony will be held at Pine Grove Cemetery on Thursday, May 14, at 11:00 a.m.
Additional Council Comments
Councilor Cathy Stacey asked for an update on the Bridge Street Bridge project. The Town Manager said the project is moving forward and remains on schedule.
Councilor Pelletier also reported that the front sign at the Old Palmer Schoolhouse is hanging by one bolt and needs repair. The Town Manager said Municipal Services can take care of the repairs through a work order.
Upcoming Meetings
Upcoming Town Council meetings are scheduled for May 18, June 1, and June 15.
The Town Manager’s Report and Town Council meeting materials are available to view on the Town website. The complete May 4, 2026, Town Council meeting recording, including all discussions and presentations, is available to view through SCTV.
