Another efficient meeting in the books!
We bounced around the agenda in order to accommodate guests.
The Foundation Trust, a private philanthropic organization, is interested in exploring a partnership with Salem and opening their grants to nonprofits operating in the area (in priority areas for the foundation). They will host a virtual information session on 25 March, and their petition was moved to the Committee on Community and Economic Development.
A petition to allow construction to occur on Patriot’s Day at Forest River prompted Councilor Flynn to ask about the timeline for completion. The council moved to allow Jenna Ide to speak. She said the goal is to open the pool and the bathhouse by July, though other items may take longer to complete (splashpads and trails, for example).
The employees of SciFi had the opportunity to present an update on their fiber network project. Ben Bawtree-Jobson explained that they are building a city-wide fiber optic network that will provide infrastructure for smart city applications, provide networks for the public schools, and offer an option for residents. Their goal is to be ready by fall. Duke Horan, another employee explained the construction aspects. It is a low-impact, microtrenching operation, but that does not mean no impact. Residents will receive a letter in the mail and a door knocker to explain what is going to happen in their neighborhood and when. There will be large, noisy equipment, but it is fast-moving. If the permits with the Department of Public Works go through as planned, work will start 1 April. If you see a crew in front of your house and have questions, please direct them to the foreman. The SciFi people encouraged feedback and also told residents they can go to Gigabit Now to pre-subscribe to the network or to get more information.
Money matters: The $124,121 to prepare Bentley Academy for the return of students was approved unanimously; as was the routine $57,492 retirement buy-back.
The council accepted funds from the Friends of the Council on Aging to provide Easter dinners to seniors. Other friends, those of US Cadet Nurse Corps, requested council approval to install a memorial to 1st Lt. Catherine Marie Larking, RN, who died on duty in World War II. She was the only woman from Salem to die in WWII. This is pending school committee approval, but the council voted to endorse.
The Irish flag will fly for St. Patrick’s Day on the 16, 17, 18 March (next week).
Two of the public comments were around the fate of the portrait of Andrew Jackson (on in favor of moving it out of chambers; one in favor of keeping it in chambers). The Government Services committee opted to keep the matter in committee. Chair of the committee, Councilor Hapworth, said that they discussed Jackson’s history, the history of Indigenous peoples in the Salem area, the history of City Hall, and learned more about who hangs where and why in City Hall Chambers. The committee feels that a deeper discussion is warranted. The Council agreed; matter remains in committee. (This is the same for all portraits.)
Councilor Riccardi recapped the Public Health, Safety and the Environment (PHSE) committee meeting at which Acting Chief Dennis King presented data on crime in Salem. She said that violent crime is not trending, though we did have a spate of violent crime recently. She said the take-home message is that the police are trying to work with the community and keep lines of communication open, and that they should be able to conduct their investigations without interference. The report was filed; a thank you note will be sent to the police department for the presentation.
The Urban Agriculture ordinance is also staying in the PHSE committee. The last meeting kicked off the discussion and the committee heard from those who drafted the ordinance. The city solicitor had feedback, which warranted a second meeting.
Cedar Rd. was referred to the Ordinances, Licenses and Legal Affairs (OLLA) committee. The street was named improperly and the committee (and residents) want to clear this up. A couple of licenses were also sent to OLLA.
The preservation restriction agreement (with the Salem Atheneum) was approved. It is a standard agreement that is required so the Atheneum can receive Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds.
Second passages on a traffic matter and the restriction of voice amplification in the alley by Honey Dew donuts downtown were passed. The councilors took points of privilege to reflect on COVID deaths and the passing of Judge Buczko.
That’s it this time, folks.
Respectfully submitted,
Jen Lynch