It was a productive and efficient meeting.
Money, money, money…
$250K was approved to execute traffic calming measures around the city. The lion’s share is for speed humps and pillows to be permanently installed in North Salem. The rest is for temporary measures, illuminated stop signs, flashing speed signs and such.
$90K for future public parking infrastructure was sent to the Administration and Finance committee (A&F), co-posted with the Committee of the Whole (COW).
The other money matters passed easily: $40K transferred funds allocated to salary to contracted services while the finance department continues to seek to fill the assistant finance director position; $3375 to replace the city hall flag pole, which was wooden and didn’t make it through a recent wind storm; $17,525 on golf course expenses, which Councilor McCarthy said was simply a transfer out of receipts reserved.
The council accepted two donations: one from Harborlights for scholarship and the other from Kathleen Aubertine for a remembrance bench.
Condo conversion ordinance
This is going to be one to watch! The council approved the home rule petition that would make an allowance for Salem to create an ordinance different from state standards. State law standard applies to buildings converting with four units or more. 78% of the conversions in Salem have been in 2-3 unit buildings. A presentation and additional information about the condo conversion ordinance under development is available for your reading pleasure. The main goals of this ordinance will be to create a path to condo conversion that decelerates the rate of conversion and protects tenants from being displaced. Councilor McClain noted that he was aware of three Salem families who are being forced out of their homes because of condo conversion. The motion to petition the state passed unanimously. If you are interested in this matter, you can get in on the ground floor and help shape the ordinance, which will be discussed and refined in the meantime.
Firepits are back on the agenda and will be sent to the Public Health, Safety and the Environment (PHSE) committee. Councilor Varela introduced the ordinance that would modify the newer language banning the sale and use of fire pits (and other outdoor heating) to allow for both sale and use. The proposed changes have stronger safety guidelines in lieu of the outright ban. It was sent to PHSE.
The Government Services committee reported back on the suggestion to issue a land use acknowledgement before each council meeting. The matter will stay in committee, where they will consider why they want to issue such acknowledgements and what the city can do to better engage the Indigenous community. It sounded to my ears like the acknowledgement alone is insufficient.
Dominican Republic Independence Day was set for 27 February; flag-raising is 25 Feb.
Road races were approved: Witch City 5K; Wicked 1/2 Marathon; Black Cat 10 and 20 miler
Second passage for two shiny new ordinances! Green building ordinance and the Auxiliary Aids and Services ordinance. The former strengthens the environmental requirements for buildings and infrastructure in the city and the latter issues the right for any citizen with a special need in order to participate in government to request and receive that service or aid. Good job, Council!
Respectfully submitted,
Jen Lynch