Andrew Jackson still hangs in Chambers. I did check with Ilene Simons, the City Clerk, and the matter did carry forward, it does not have to be re-introduced. It sits with the committee on government services.
The meeting started off with an update from the Board of Health and Mayor Driscoll on how the city is planning for the COVID-19 / novel coronavirus pandemic. Large city events are being postponed or cancelled, but city business is moving forward as normal; that may change. They are looking at remote participation tools for government meetings, but public engagement will have to be practicable, otherwise the meetings will just be suspended. You will probably hear “out of an abundance of caution” a lot in the coming days, because the next 2–4 weeks are critical. Driscoll said that the city is aware of vulnerable communities, and considering ways to continue or establish supports while maintaining the social distance guidelines. There will be increased costs, Driscoll mentioned that some vendors are price gouging on cleaning products, for example, and the Attorney General is on it, but in the meantime, they just have to pay. There will also be overtime costs (for janitors, the unsung heroes, for example). The unknown right now is the timeline. The guess is 2–4 weeks, looking at other cities who are ahead of us on their spikes. The city is developing an FAQ and looking at ways to match volunteer services to people in need. If you are interested in exploring options currently available, you can try massresponds.org.
The city does have a pandemic plan and is working with the hospitals on scenario planning. The Board of Health does offer translation services. If you are feeling poorly, call your primary care physician. Start with a phone call…do not show up and put others at risk. A 211 information line is being developed, and a reverse 911 with information will go out after Driscoll meets with the state and the hospitals. The continuation of essential services (fire, police, garbage) is expected and redundancy (mutual aid) measures are in place with other towns and cities.
The mayor had to run to the school committee meeting, so the regular meeting was started in earnest. The public meeting about 20 Franklin St was planned for 24 March. I know you are all arching an eyebrow and saying, “but all the public buildings will be closed and we’ll all be social distancing!” This is true, but once the meeting is on the schedule, the agenda can be posted and the materials can be shared with the public. It will likely be postponed, but at least interested parties will have materials and details. The meeting was approved; Flynn and Dibble opposed
The emminent domain matter passed without incident. The safe routes to schools program over by Bates required that the city use privately owned easements. Eight properties were affected, ranging from 1 to 26 feet, including temporary use of easements during construction. The city has been in negotiations with the owners, and come to favorable terms. $14,808 was approved to cover the property appraisals. This initiative is largely funded by MASS DOT and the school and ward are excited to see it finally happen.
The $1M “boiler replacement” for Bates was misrepresented. First, the cost to Salem will be significantly less (~$400K), but the city has to pay the costs up-front. Second, it is more than a boiler replacement, it is a full HVAC renovation. The matter was passed and referred to the finance committee, where details on the project can be hammered out. Councilor Dibble specifically mentioned that it would be good to ensure that the city is looking at the long-term environmental impact of this project. We should be ensuring that we are replacing the HVAC with the most efficient available. Councilor Turiel suggested inviting city and school facilities to the meeting.
Money was approved for repair the DPS roof, to purchase a portable salt shed, for retirement buy-backs, and to reimburse an intern.
Councilors Morsillo and Hapworth were appointed to the Affordable Housing Trust. Their appointment will run through 31 December.
Next meeting, the council will consider replacing Cushing’s with Robert’s Rules. Be still my little heart!
The Council recognized the Boys & Girls Club, approved two road races (Salem Road Race on 13 September and Witch City 5K on 17 October), approved the money to repair the Bridge St. water main, and passed a couple of traffic matters.
Be safe, check in on your neighbors, and take care of yourselves.
Respectfully submitted, Jen