Last night’s meeting was a reminder that the council can be efficient and respectful. The questions were brief and dealt with effectively, with motions being quickly amended to deal with any adjustments to the new information. The meeting was just over one hour long.
Mayor Driscoll was in the much more highly anticipated School Committee budget meeting (and we will try to have notes on that to you presently), so there was not a COVID update.
Councilor Madore used a point of personal privilege to introduce the “Salem Together pledge.” As restaurants and businesses start to re-open, it is important that we all keep our neighbors’ safety forefront in our actions. Please continue to respect social distancing and wear your masks! When possible, use a local restaurant or shop for you needs, because we want to see our city thriving once again.
The council approved three conduit installations, and they appointed and re-appointed board and committee members. There are usually openings on city boards, commissions and committees–consider volunteering!
The mayor submitted 25 pages of late files to kick-off the budget process. The files were received and sent to the Committee on Administration and Finance, where they will be considered with the missing pieces of the budget (namely the school committee budget). The first copy of the full budget is expected within a week or so.
After dealing with some parking matters, the council moved to committee reports. Most of the activity came from the Public Health, Safety, and Environment Committee. One matter was about COVID (the action was unclear to me) and discharged without recommendation, and the other two matters remained in committee (a gas ban and what to do about “plastics, straws, cigarette butts, etc.”). The PHSE chair, Councilor Dibble, did briefly report on the presentation from the Salem Police Community Impact Unit (CIU) that was given at the last PHSE meeting. He outlined some of the support services that the CIU provides, including mental health resources, addiction treatment information, and engagement with the homeless population. The council voted to appoint a city council liaison to the CIU and request monthly reports on CIU activities.
Respectfully submitted,
Jen Lynch