It was a quick meeting, because almost all matters, including the highly anticipated Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance, was moved to the Ordinances, Licenses, and Legal Affairs committee. The most insightful updates have been from public health official Dave Greenbaum and Mayor Kim Driscoll.
Facts & Figures: 508 total cases in Salem, of which 303 are active, 205 have cleared quarantine. There have been 24 deaths. The good news is new cases are going down.
Driscoll talked at length about budgetary shortfalls, and I’ve included a couple of her powerpoint slides here. The two slides below show a cumulative shortfall of about $500K and they don’t include income sources such as hotel tax or cannabis. Driscoll still plans on having a draft budget in June. The state is also grappling with major shortfalls ($5B budget gap), so we are waiting for them to lock in their contributions. Driscoll is looking at cost savings (likely cuts to services or personnel) because this will be a multi-year issue. We do have a rainy day fund, as does the state, but we cannot just raid it completely. There may yet be a second wave of this.
Salem has launched community testing efforts, which you may have already read about. “Essential,” front line, and emergency workers are able to be tested regardless of whether they are presenting symptoms. Blanket testing for all residents is not yet available, though if you do have symptoms you can be tested. The city is trying to roll out testing for congregate housing and populations.
Reopening and recovery will be slow and steady. We are following the state guidelines, and will use data, metrics and science to guide decisions. The information that details when we open, and what success or failure looks like, needs to be well defined and clearly communicated and understood. The priority is on public health over wealth. City hall has its eye on re-opening in June. Remote working has been successful. Schools will take longer to plan for. Salem has a task force working with Beverly and Peabody on details, and DESE is also working on guidance.
Finally, it’s meant to be a beautiful weekend, but lets not go bananas. Remain vigilant! Beaches will be open for walking, but not sunbathing or camping out. Please have face coverings with you. If you are outdoors, they are not required unless you are within 6 feet of another person, but you cannot count on having outdoor spaces to yourself. Wash your hands, social distance, wear a mask. You don’t know if the person walking your way is immuno-compromised or going home to an elderly parent.
Stay safe, friends.
Respectfully submitted,
Jen Lynch